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European Union and Mercosur bloc of South American nations sign landmark free trade agreement

  • At a ceremony in Asuncion, representatives of the EU and Mercosur formally signed a free-trade agreement after more than 25 years of negotiations on Jan 17.
  • Framed against rising protectionism and US tariffs, the deal defends free trade, multilateralism and international law, Antonio Costa, European Council head, said, contrasting with trade as a geopolitical weapon.
  • Implementation hinges on approval by the European Parliament and ratification by each Mercosur nation, while some tariffs phase out over 10-15 years with beef quotas and safeguards.
  • The pact would cover about 30 per cent of global GDP and link markets of more than 700 million consumers, expected to come into force by the end of 2026 if ratified.
  • Powerful protectionist lobbies, especially European farmers, could still block ratification, with France opposed and Italy accepting the deal earlier this month after quotas, safeguards, and subsidies.
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Original news Von der Leyen signs the agreement with the South American Countries For Italy the potential export may exceed 16 billion

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Ámbito broke the news in Argentina on Friday, January 16, 2026.
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