Neo-liberalism and market concentration in Brazil: The emergence of a contradiction?

Abstract

This article examines the degree of market and firm competitiveness that developed in Brazil in the 15 years since the introduction of neo-liberal policies. In particular, it evaluates the extent to which trade liberalization and the freeing-up of domestic markets has resulted in more competitive firm performance and market structures. It shows that although the aim of opening Brazil's economy and of privatizing its publicly owned firms was to expose the country to domestic and international market forces, it has paradoxically increased ownership concentration of its industries.