EFTA-MERCOSUL Agreement: a milestone in international trade

On September 16, 2025, the Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUL (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) was signed in Rio de Janeiro.

This treaty marks a milestone in international trade, establishing an economic integration area that connects a market of nearly 300 million consumers and a combined GDP of over USD 4.3 trillion.

The agreement goes beyond tariff reduction for goods and services, covering issues such as investment, intellectual property, sustainability, government procurement, and technical standards.

Although the signing is a significant step, the treaty is not yet in force, as each country must complete its internal ratification. Nonetheless, experts highlight that this partnership paves the way for modern economic cooperation that balances growth with social responsibility.