LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

January 2, 2025

Can the E.U. and Mercosur Finalize Their Trade Deal?

Mercosur and the European Union agreed in principle on a long-debated free trade agreement in early December. The deal still must be approved by individual Mercosur and E.U. member countries in order to take effect. // Photo: @vonderleyen via X.

Q

A

Bartłomiej Znojek, Latin America analyst at the Polish Institute of International Affairs: “The Dec. 6 announcement is the second time the E.U. and four Mercosur countries have confirmed the conclusion of their longstanding talks on the Association Agreement, which comprises trade, political and cooperation pillars. The text of the trade part they finalized in June 2019 did not hold up, mainly because of the E.U.’s mounting demands related to the obligations in sustainable development. Broader references to that sphere are an essential component of the new version of the deal. Other amendments result from new requirements. For example, Brazil won exceptions in the E.U.’s access to its public procurement. The parties also included a revision clause, which will allow for periodical changes to the treaty. While the two blocs tried to depict the Dec. 6 decision as a great success and a robust signal against trade protectionism…”

Top News

Puerto Rico Power Grid Collapses on New Year’s Eve
A faulty transmission line caused a major blackout that affected nearly 90 percent of utility customers in Puerto Rico on Tuesday, according to the island’s private utility provider.
Major Regional Economies Slump Out of 2024
The Brazilian real finished the year down 21 percent against the dollar as inflation and trade tensions mount. Mexico’s peso fell 23 percent against the dollar last year.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. As president, Carter advocated for human rights in Latin America, applying pressure on the region’s military dictatorships.

Complete editions of the Latin America Advisor are delivered on a biweekly basis to members of the Dialogue’s Corporate Program and other subscribers. Sign up below for a free complimentary preview subscription.

ABOUT THE LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.

Subscribers

Staff

Gene Kuleta
Editor
P. 202.463.2920
E. gkuleta@thedialogue.org

Carl David
Goette-Luciak
Reporter

Nili Blanck
Reporter

board of advisors

Diego Arria
Director,
Columbus Group

Merike Blofield
Professor of Political Science,
University of Hamburg

Devry Boughner Vorwerk
CEO,
DevryBV Sustainable Strategies

Joyce Chang
Global Head of Research,
J.P. Morgan

Marlene Fernández
Corporate Vice President for Gov’t Relations,
Arcos Dorados (McDonald’s)

Peter Hakim
President Emeritus,
Inter-American Dialogue

Donna Hrinak
Director,
Adtalem Global Education

Jon E. Huenemann
Council Member,
GLG Inc.

James R. Jones
Chairman,
Monarch Global Strategies

Craig Kelly
Senior Director,
Int’l Gov’t Relations,
Exxon Mobil

Barbara Kotschwar
Professor of Political Economy,
Georgetown University

John Maisto
Director,
US Education Finance Group

Nicolas Mariscal
Chairman,
Grupo Marhnos

Thomas F. McLarty III
Chairman,
McLarty Associates

Beatrice Rangel
Director,
AMLA Consulting

Ernesto Revilla
Head of Latin American Economics, Citi

Gustavo Roosen
President,
IESA

Andrés Rozental
President, Rozental &
Asociados

Shelly Shetty
Managing Director,
Sovereigns, Fitch

Subscribe To
Latin America Advisors

* indicates required field

The Inter-American Dialogue Education Program

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER / SUSCRÍBASE A NUESTRO BOLETÍN:

* indicates required