European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Mercosur agreement represents a declaration of choosing fair trade over tariffs, signalling a commitment to fair trade rather than protectionist tariffs.
Von der Leyen: Mercosur agreement is a declaration of choosing 'fair trade over tariffs'
Saturday, 17 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Mercosur is the South American trade bloc (Southern Common Market) whose main founding members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. An EU–Mercosur trade agreement — which the story says may be approved and signed soon — would reduce tariffs and open markets on both sides, affecting agricultural and industrial trade flows and therefore prices and business opportunities relevant to residents and companies in Portugal.
