The U.S.–China tariff war has turned illegal transshipment into a geopolitical tool. This Insight combines a recent White House report on the "Great Transshipment Scam" with Strategos BIP's regional risk analysis to explain how Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and other Latin American countries are exposed, and what room governments and companies have to turn that exposure into negotiating leverage.

Following US tariffs on Chinese steel in 2018, the surplus was redirected to markets like Colombia via triangulation through third countries. Mirror statistics analysis (UN Comtrade 2015-2024) reveals an average negative gap of -US$929 million annually, proving that Chinese steel arrives re-routed or under-invoiced. The text warns that if this occurs in a protected sector, industries lacking trade defense instruments face an imminent risk of displacement.

Are tariffs enough to protect domestic industries? This CIMA Insight examines Colombia's ceramic sector and explores how technical smuggling, unfair competition, and global supply chain dynamics can undermine trade protection measures. Drawing on cases from Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, the report highlights key challenges for competitiveness and economic security across Latin America.