Finance
Mercosur bloc to sign EU trade deal on January 17
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 9, 2026
1 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Summary
Mercosur and the EU are set to sign a historic trade agreement on January 17, ending over 30 years of negotiations. The signing will occur in Paraguay, with broad support from EU member states.
Mercosur and EU Set to Finalize Trade Agreement on January 17
Overview of the Mercosur-EU Trade Agreement
BUENOS AIRES, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The Mercosur bloc will sign its long-delayed trade agreement with the European Union on January 17, Argentina’s foreign ministry said Friday, marking a breakthrough after years of negotiations.
Historical Context of Negotiations
"After more than 30 years of negotiations, we will sign on January 17 in Paraguay a historic and most ambitious agreement between both blocs,” Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said in a Foreign Ministry statement.
Support from EU Member States
The European Union member states confirmed on Friday that a broad majority support a free trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur.
Argentina's Role in the Agreement
(Reporting by Lucila Sigal and Lucinda Elliott, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)
Key Takeaways
- •Mercosur and EU to sign trade deal on January 17.
- •Agreement marks a breakthrough after 30 years of talks.
- •Signing to take place in Paraguay.
- •Broad EU support for the agreement.
- •Argentina played a key role in negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercosur bloc to sign EU trade deal on January 17
1What is Mercosur?
Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, is a regional trade bloc in South America that includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, aimed at promoting free trade and economic integration.