Mercosur Bloc Expands Tariff Exceptions

Countries within the Mercosur trade bloc in South America have reached an agreement to extend exceptions to their common external tariffs, according to a statement from a spokesperson for Argentina's foreign ministry on Wednesday. This move will allow member countries to introduce up to 50 additional exemptions to current regulations.

The agreement comes as Brazil and Argentina, two major players in the bloc, currently maintain around 100 exemptions each, while Uruguay and Paraguay have implemented approximately 400. The changes aim to facilitate a potential trade agreement with the United States, a goal Argentina has been advocating.

This development underscores the evolving economic strategies within the Mercosur bloc, as member countries navigate global trade dynamics while seeking to enhance bilateral relations with significant non-member nations such as the U.S.

(With inputs from agencies.)