News of trade

Macron defends French farmers during talks with Milei

18-11-2024 10:30 French President Emmanuel Macron defends his nation's resistance to the proposed EU-Mercosur trade deal as he visits President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires.

Milei, in the best of all possible worlds

16-11-2024 05:00 Everywhere he looks, Javier Milei sees good news, which he takes as confirmation that he has chosen the right path.

by Marcelo J. García

Blocking and Bargaining: France and farmers fight EU-Mercosur trade deal

13-11-2024 15:35 The EU-Mercosur trade deal, which would create the world’s largest free trade zone, is nearing potential ratification after 25 years of negotiation, despite fierce opposition from France and European farmers.

New push for EU-South America trade deal despite French fury

13-11-2024 10:24 European Union and Mercosur blocs are reviving efforts to finalise an agreement by year’s end, aiming to create the largest free-trade zone globally. European leaders are pushing for swift progress, but France's resistance is becoming more vocal.

French minister talks down rumours of imminent EU-Mercosur trade agreement

25-10-2024 21:03 French Minister for Foreign Trade Sophie Primas has revealed to AFP the possibility of an agreement in the coming weeks

EU ‘very close to closing’ agreement with Mercosur, says Spain PM

23-10-2024 16:20 The European Union is "very close to closing" the long-delayed free-trade agreement with Mercosur trade bloc, said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Macron says free-trade deal with Mercosur is unfair for local farmers

02-10-2024 16:48 French President Emmanuel Macron again criticises Mercosur-European Union free-trade deal with, saying accord would put European companies and agricultural workers at a disadvantage.

Germany's Scholz urges swift conclusion to EU-Mercosur trade deal

02-10-2024 12:11 "The Mercosur agreement is groundbreaking for diversifying and strengthening the resilience of our economy," states German chancellor as he appeals for a swift conclusion to long-stalled trade deal.

Mercosur-China trade talks must address imbalance, Paraguay says

06-09-2024 11:59 Mercosur would be willing to negotiate a trade agreement with China if it addresses the lopsided commerce between the two trading partners, says Paraguay.

Uruguay applauds Argentina’s shift of stance on Mercosur

05-09-2024 13:15 Argentina indicates it is willing to shift its stance on Mercosur trade bloc negotiations, drawing praise from Uruguay.

Unions ramp up protests against Milei’s labour reforms

06-05-2024 14:30 Workers' assemblies complicate transport in and around Buenos Aires, with social groups set to demonstrate on Tuesday and the CGT's nationwide strike scheduled for Thursday.

Mondino: Mercosur must open up to ‘agreements with other countries’

17-04-2024 17:16 Argentina's Foreign Minister Diana Mondino calls for modernisation of Mercosur rules and backs push for free-trade deal with China.

Mercosur tensions: Uruguay rage overshadows hope for EU deal

08-03-2024 11:43 Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou slams Argentina, Brazil governments for blocking his free-trade deal with China; Lula and Spanish PM Sánchez optimistic about long-trailed EU despite impasse.

G20 finance ministers meet on world economy hit by crises, conflicts

28-02-2024 12:55 G20 finance ministers will meet Wednesday in Brazil, seeking ways to shore up a global economy whose nascent recovery is threatened by a raft of conflicts and crises, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Macron asks EU’s Von der Leyen to stop Mercosur trade deal

30-01-2024 07:27 French President Emmanuel Macron asks European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen to end the current round of negotiations over free-trade deal between EU and Mercosur trade bloc.

France 'opposes signing' of EU-Mercosur trade deal, says prime minister

26-01-2024 14:59 French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal says President Emmanuel Macron "has always opposed" the free-trade deal negotiated between the European Union and the Mercosur trade bloc.

Argentina: Conditions not in place to sign Mercosur-EU deal

04-12-2023 12:09 Argentina’s outgoing government says conditions are not in place to sign long-delayed free-trade agreement between Mercosur and European Union.

Macron concerns derail EU-Mercosur trade agreement yet again

03-12-2023 08:33 EU-Mercosur trade deal receives a serious setback after French President Emmanuel Macron declares environmental concessions obtained by the European bloc fall short of what’s needed.

More moderate Milei embraces trading partners he had shunned

24-11-2023 14:31 Signs indicate foul-mouthed libertarian who swept to power with radical promises to fix Argentina’s problems may be adopting a more pragmatic approach, at least in foreign policy, as he prepares to take office.

EU, India congratulate Javier Milei on Argentina election win

20-11-2023 11:41 Top EU officials send congratulations to Javier Milei, with European Council president Charles Michel dubbing the country a "close partner."