Brazil Free Trade Agreements List: A Comprehensive Guide
Brazil is known for being an economic powerhouse in South America, with a diverse range of products and services that make it an attractive trading partner. Over the years, Brazil has signed several free trade agreements (FTAs) with different countries and trade blocs to promote economic growth and increase trade opportunities.
This article explores the various FTAs that Brazil has signed and their implications for businesses operating in the country.
Mercosur
Mercosur is a South American trade bloc consisting of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The bloc was created in 1991 to boost economic growth and promote regional integration.
The Mercosur agreement eliminates tariffs on most products traded between member countries and aims to create a unified market with free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. This agreement provides Brazilian companies with access to a large market of over 290 million people, helping to boost exports and increase economic growth.
Mercosur has also signed trade agreements with other countries such as Chile, Bolivia, and Peru, allowing Brazilian companies to access these markets more easily.
Mexico
Brazil has a free trade agreement with Mexico, which came into effect in 2003. The agreement eliminates tariffs on most products traded between the two countries and aims to promote economic growth and increase trade between them.
The agreement has been beneficial for Brazilian exporters, particularly those in the automotive, chemical, and agricultural sectors. In 2019, Brazil exported over $1.5 billion worth of goods to Mexico, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.
European Union
In 2019, Brazil signed a free trade agreement with the European Union (EU), creating one of the world`s largest free trade zones. The agreement eliminates tariffs on a wide range of products, including industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
The agreement also includes provisions on intellectual property, government procurement, and sustainable development, among others. The EU is Brazil`s second-largest trading partner, and this agreement is expected to increase trade between the two regions significantly.
United States
Although Brazil does not have a free trade agreement with the United States, the two countries enjoy strong trade relations. In 2020, Brazil was the 11th largest trading partner of the United States, with over $87 billion worth of goods traded between the two.
Brazil exports a wide range of products to the United States, including iron, steel, coffee, and soybeans. The United States is also a significant investor in Brazil, with U.S. companies investing over $68 billion in the country in 2019.
Conclusion
Brazil`s free trade agreements have been crucial to its economic growth and development. By eliminating tariffs and promoting trade between countries, these agreements open up new markets for Brazilian companies and provide opportunities for increased exports and economic growth.
While Brazil has several free trade agreements in place, it is always advisable to research the specific trade agreements with the countries or regions that your business is interested in. By doing so, you can gain a better understanding of the applicable rules and regulations and take advantage of the opportunities presented by these agreements.