Lo sviluppo del commercio equo e solidale in America Latina: un’analisi comparativa

This paper presents a comparative and critical survey of the most interesting experiences of fairtrade in Latin America. It shows the final results of a research project financed by the Ministry of University and Research of Italy, carried on for more than two years investigating “on the field”.
First of all, it analyzes seven case studies regarding the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru. Their histories are more or less recent and very different but for all of them the latest years have been the most important ones, considering the diffusion of the phenomenon, the formation of national and international networks, the initial development of quality projects (certification also), the enlargement of the range of products (handicraft, tourism) and the differentiation of outlet markets.
Still, the phenomenon of fairtrade remains marginal in comparison with the huge amount of world trade flows.
What do the South American countries think about it? On one side, they criticise the countries and the stakeholders of North America (even the fairtrade organizations), on the other side they ask themselves : should the fairtrade movement act only inside the fairtrade circuits or accept the challenge of the global economy without prejudices and fears?