South American bloc Mercosur and Canada to resume talks for free-trade agreement

26/8/2025 6:50

Canada and South American bloc Mercosur will resume negotiations for a free-trade agreement, Brasilia and Ottawa announced on Monday after a meeting in Brazil's capital.



Mercosur, whose rotating presidency is currently held by Brazil, is a major exporter of beef, soybeans and minerals. Besides Brazil, the bloc includes Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, while Bolivia is in the process of becoming a full member.



"We have directed our senior trade officials to engage in discussions, including a meeting of chief negotiators in early October, in order to resume Free Trade Agreement negotiations," Brazil and Canada said in a joint statement.



Canada signaled renewed interest in restarting talks with Mercosur last month, as part of a broader push to diversify trade away from the United States amid uncertainty caused by tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.