Mercosur

Friday, September 7th 2012 - 03:15 UTC
Argentina achieves 12-month trade surplus target in August with 10.04bn dollars

Argentina's trade surplus rose to 1.64 billion dollars in August, more than double the surplus in the same month a year ago achieving the twelve months target four months ahead, President Cristina Fernandez announced on Thursday.
Thursday, September 6th 2012 - 06:35 UTC
Patriota defends Mercosur decisions on Paraguay before the Brazilian congress

Brazilian Foreign minister Antonio Patriota strongly defended the decision to suspend Paraguay from Mercosur following the removal of Fernando Lugo from the presidency, as well as the incorporation of Venezuela as full member of the trade group.
Thursday, September 6th 2012 - 06:28 UTC
Two Uruguayan ex-presidents openly support the new Paraguayan authorities

Uruguayan former presidents Jorge Batlle and Luis Alberto Lacalle came in support of the current Paraguayan authorities and political process and claimed the only “coup” was that of Mercosur against Paraguay. They also questioned the removed president Fernando Lugo’s ‘pitiful reaction’ and statements.
Wednesday, September 5th 2012 - 05:40 UTC
Brazil applies 25% tariff increase on 100 imported goods; another 100 list in the making

The Brazilian government approved a 25% tariff increase on an additional list of 100 goods from outside Mercosur and at the same time announced the implementation of a monitoring scheme for those items’ prices in the domestic market to avoid unduly increases.
Wednesday, September 5th 2012 - 00:14 UTC
EC regrets stances of “protectionism” and “populism” in some Mercosur members

The president of the European Commission Jose Durao Barroso said on Tuesday that the EU 27 members still want to reach a free trade agreement with Mercosur, but warned that the “protectionist stances” from some of its members makes it difficult.
Tuesday, September 4th 2012 - 06:26 UTC
Mercosur faces “great problems and internal divisions” making talks with EU “difficult”

French Foreign Trade minister Nicole Bricq said that there are “great problems” in the current negotiations between the EU and Mercosur to reach an association agreement which also includes a free trade chapter.
Monday, September 3rd 2012 - 23:49 UTC
Former president Vazquez by far the most favoured politician in Uruguay

Former president Tabare Vazquez is the most popular politician in Uruguay with 65% support followed by the current head of state Jose Mujica with 50% and Vice-president Danilo Astori, 48%, according to an opinion poll from Equipos Mori and published over the weekend in the Montevideo media.
Monday, September 3rd 2012 - 06:32 UTC
Two out of three Argentines reject a third re-election for Cristina Fernandez

Two out of three Argentines reject the proposal of reforming the constitution opening the way for a third consecutive mandate for President Cristina Kirchner, according to pollster Poliarquía Consultores and published on Sunday in Buenos Aires daily La Nacion.
Wednesday, August 29th 2012 - 21:49 UTC
The “Paraguay situation” and options as seen from Washington

By Eric Stadius, Research Associate at Council on Hemispheric Affairs and Peter Tase, Research Fellow at Council on Hemispheric Affairs.Two months after President Fernando Lugo’s impeachment, Paraguay has transitioned from reconciling its relatively benign political crisis to enhancing regional and international links politically and economically.
Tuesday, August 28th 2012 - 06:46 UTC
Europe waiting for Mercosur to overcome ‘Paraguay situation’ and resume trade talks

The European Commission remains “on hold” waiting for the evolution of events in Mercosur with the incorporation of Venezuela as full member and the suspension of Paraguay, before addressing a new round of association and trade negotiations.