This paper analyzes the results obtained in terms of trade performance and dynamic competitiveness by the 12 main industrial goods exporting countries in the period 2004-2013. The construction of two extensive databases and the calculation of various indicators of competitiveness show that export capacity does not seem to be associated either with high levels of labor productivity or with the degree of participation of high and medium-high technology industries in exports. The evidence found suggests the need to rethink theoretical guidelines for international economic insertion, particularly in the case of emerging Latin American countries.