NEARSHORING AND TECHNOLOGICAL MODERNIZATION OF CUSTOMS IN INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS CHAINS

Abstract

The nexus between nearshoring and customs technological modernization in international logistics chains is analyzed. Key technologies are systematized, including single window systems, risk management, non-intrusive inspection, interoperability, and frameworks for electronic documents, and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) is proposed linking customs technological modernization to border efficiency, logistics resilience, and nearshoring performance. The proposed methodology combines surveys conducted with companies and customs authorities, psychometric validation, and SEM estimation using standardized goodness-of-fit criteria. Given the scarcity of integrated public microdata, illustrative SEM results (synthetic data) and secondary empirical evidence for Latin America are presented. Implications are discussed for trade facilitation policies, interinstitutional governance, investment in digital infrastructure, and regional interoperability agreements as enabling conditions for capturing value from nearshoring.