Italy Urges Swift Expansion in Mercosul Trade Amid New EU-Mercosul Agreement Boosting Small Businesses

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, has called for accelerated Italian engagement with Mercosul markets following his recent visit to Argentina and Brazil. Tajani highlighted Italy's intentions to diversify exports and capitalize on strong demand in these countries across sectors including agro-food, pharmaceuticals, energy transition, digital technologies, and defense. Two key agreements with Argentina on raw materials and industrial policy are expected to bolster Italy's Mercosul strategy. Meanwhile, the recent EU-Mercosul trade agreement is opening new avenues for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MPMEs), particularly benefiting Brazilian businesses. A discussion in Brasília on September 3 highlighted how Chapter 14 of the agreement focuses specifically on easing access and reducing trade barriers for smaller firms. Maria Paula Velloso, ApexBrasil's Director of Business, emphasized this as a pivotal moment for productive development and internationalization, citing the first shipment of Brazilian grapes under tariff exemption as a tangible example. ApexBrasil supports over 8,372 MPMEs, comprising 55.8% of its clientele, providing necessary export tools, regulatory assistance, and education in partnership with Sebrae. Maurizio Cellini from the EU noted that signing the trade agreement is not enough; businesses must understand regulations and procedures to succeed internationally. Tajani also acknowledged growing Argentine and Brazilian interest in investing in Italy, underpinning the mutual trade enthusiasm. Italy aims to build on its current export record of 650 billion euros with a goal of 700 billion euros by the end of 2027, underscoring exports as a central government policy and Mercosul relations as key to this growth trajectory.