Mercosur network of agreements and external negotiations

analysis from 2015 to 2020

Abstract

In its 30 years of existence, Mercosur has strengthened economic relations between its members, increasing interdependence and commercial complementarity among the States Parties and, at the same time, has looked for expanding the negotiations of agreements with extra-regional countries and extra-regional. This trade agenda was promoted from 1994 onwards, beginning with the negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the European Union and, until 2011, the bloc has signed 5 trade agreements. Starting from 2017, Mercosur also conducted advanced negotiations with Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Lebanon, and European Free Trade Association. It should be noted that these negotiations are related to the dynamics and transformations of the multilateral trade system. That said, the article analyzes Mercosur external agenda, focusing on the interaction with extra-regional partners. Observing how the discussions on the agreements developed within the Common Market Group (one of the decision-making bodies of the bloc), this study identifies the dynamics in relation to the bloc's external agenda, as well as constant elements and particularities in the cases of agreements in progress, mapping the existing scenario to date.