The trade component of the partnership agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur enters into force this Friday (May 1st) on a provisional basis, eliminating customs duties on various traded products. Following ratification by Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and the European Commission, tariffs on a range of goods are now removed. The agreement includes safeguard clauses for EU agricultural imports following sector opposition, as well as provisions for investment facilitation and public procurement access. This stage covers only the economic aspect and will expire upon the final approval of the general agreement, which includes environmental governance and political cooperation commitments, subject to ratification by all 27 member states.