EU-Mercosur deal depends on EU decision, says Brazil minister

In a statement made Thursday (Jul 20), during a meeting of the Mercosur Council, in Mendoza, Argentina, Brazil's Minister of Industry, Foreign Trade, and Services Marcos Pereira said that the conclusion of a trade deal between the Latin American bloc and the European Union (EU) depends on how long Europeans are to wait before making an offer on the access to their markets.

“The date for the conclusion of the deal suggested by the Europeans for later this year is feasible, but should depend on the capacity of the European Commission to come up with a timely offer on the access to their markets, especially that of the so-called super-sensitive goods and those that play a key role for the exports of Mercosur—like beef, sugar, and ethanol,” the minister said.

On Monday (21), during a Mercosur summit meeting, Brazil is expected to take the bloc's pro tempore presidency. Regarding the challenges of Brazil's new position, Marcos Pereira said that the goal is to deepen the ties between the members of the bloc, in addition to getting closer to Pacific Alliance member countries (Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru), as well as other blocs.

“The negotiation of trade deals with strategic partners in and out of the region is among the current priorities of Mercosur that Brazil's pro tempore presidency will seek to preserve and reinforce,” Pereira noted.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira