Haddad Meets with Mercosur Ministers Amid EU Negotiations

In Argentina, Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad met on Wednesday morning (July 2) with the economy ministers and Central Bank presidents of Mercosur member countries. Brazil is set to assume the rotating presidency of the bloc on Thursday (July 3).

One of the key priorities under Brazil’s leadership in Mercosur is to finalize the free trade agreement with the European Union. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva aims to conclude the negotiations by December.

Another economic topic expected to be discussed during the 66th Mercosur Summit of Heads of State is the strengthening of the Common External Tariff (CET), a unified system of import duties adopted by the bloc’s members.

Participants will also address the inclusion of new codes in the List of Exceptions to the Common External Tariff (Letec).

During the summit, heads of state are expected to advance talks on integrating the automotive and sugar sectors into the bloc’s common trade regime, exploring measures to strengthen the customs union.

From January to May 2025, trade among Mercosur countries reached US$ 17.5 billion. In that period, Brazilian exports totaled US$ 10.2 billion, while imports stood at US$ 7.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$ 3 billion.

Below is a historical overview of Brazilian container exports from January to May, covering the years 2022 to 2025. The chart was prepared using DataLiner data:

Brazilian Container Exports | Jan–May 2022–2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Brazil’s main imports from Mercosur include motor vehicles for cargo and passenger transport, unground wheat and rye, and electricity. Its primary exports to the bloc are passenger and cargo vehicles, parts and accessories, various manufactured goods, and iron ore.

Source: CNN Brasil

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