Monopolios, aranceles y contrabando en Nueva Granada, 1821-1830

Abstract

This article studies contraband in New Granada during the first decade after Independence. Given that the regulation of customs and trade remained protectionist and fiscally oriented, despite the growing acceptance of arguments in favor of free trade, it examines what happened to this illicit trade. The article tries to determine the relationship between these regulations and contraband. It also evaluates whether the frequently-held assumption that increasing prohibition or taxes on trade leads to a rise in contraband holds true for Colombia. If it does hold true, the article also attempts to establish whether or not there was greater contraband in prohibited or highly-taxes products.