Isaura Daniel
São Paulo – Products in the textile and steelworks area are among those that may have tariffs reduced in the free trade agreement between the Mercosur and the European Union. The Mercosur countries announced on Sunday (13), during the 11th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad), that they are prepared to increase the list of products to receive tariff reductions in the region to 90%.
In exchange, the Europeans will make their agricultural policy more flexible. Previously the Mercosur offer was 87.8%. Development, Industry, and Foreign Trade minister Luiz Fernando Furlan stated on Monday (14), also during the Unctad, that ironworks products and textile products were included in the percentage increase.
The Brazilian minister also stated that he believes the accord may be closed up to the end of October, a deadline stipulated by both blocs. He participated in the meeting on Sunday between Argentine vice-chancellor Martin Redrado, European Trade commissioner Pascal Lamy, and Brazilian Foreign Trade Minister Celso Amorim.
"We had the opportunity to clarify doubts with regard to market access," he stated. Furlan also stated that a new meeting has been scheduled for days to come, in Brussels, so as to proceed with negotiations.
