Today, we cover Brazil and the UK’s efforts to enhance trade relations. Congressional paralysis in Brasília. And municipal elections heat up.
Brazil, UK push for a post-Brexit trade deal
Trade authorities in Brazil and the United Kingdom met online on Wednesday to discuss pathways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, now that the United Kingdom is no longer a part of the European Union. “We must explore the possibility of negotiating a trade agreement,” said Roberto Fendt, the Brazilian Economy Ministry’s Trade Secretary, in a statement after meeting with British Trade Minister Liz Truss.
Why it matters. This rapprochement comes with the UK’s explicit support for Brazil’s entry to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, one of the key international goals for the country since 2016.
Yes, but … Under the rules of Mercosur — Brazil’s trade union with Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay — any trade deal with another country must be signed by the entire bloc before it can be approved. Earlier this year, however, Argentina left the bloc’s trade negotiations, upending ongoing talks.
Trade relations. Brazil-UK trade is by no means a centerpiece for either economy. The United Kingdom buys only 2 percent of Brazil’s...