Chem protectionism, exports to China stumbling blocks for EU-Mercosur FTA

Mercosur's excessive reliance on exports to China and industrial protectionism in chemicals are core stumbling blocks to reaching a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, a policy paper published by the 28-country bloc said on Monday. Mercosur includes Latin American countries Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Venezuela is a full member but has been suspended since 2016. Bolivia is an associate member. “An AA [association agreement] between the EU and Mercosur would create a bi-regional bloc with considerable clout on the world stage,” the paper titled Towards an EU-Mercosur Association Agreement enthused.