Technical barriers as a protectionism tool: the perception of Brazilian wine export producers

Abstract

The focus of this study was to identify technical barriers used with protectionist’s purposes, which currently affect the Brazilian wine exports and the perception of the producers in face of these possible limitations. Personal interviews with export managers of the wine market and Brazilian public institutions were conducted seeking to get their perception on the identified barriers. Even though the research revealed the existence of several technical barriers to wine trade, its implications are not yet tangible due to the reduced diversity of the Brazilian export destinations. The paper concludes that the growth of the Brazilian wine exports and the gradual acknowledgment of Brazil as a qualified wine producer suggest the need to prepare the national companies to face the existing technical barriers.