About: Brazil

Brazilian biofuel producers oppose further deforestation of the Amazon

The Brazilian Senate is considering lifting a ban on sugarcane production for ethanol fuel in the Amazon. The plan, supported by the country's president, has sparked protests from environmentalists and the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, UNICA.

Forcing another free trade deal could result in a more divided Europe

As trade officials desperately try to move the long-delayed EU-Mercosur agreement forward this week, we must stop and consider that this deal is likely to go far beyond the balance of trade, and increase economic, social and political divisions within both continents, writes Helmut Scholz.

Farmers renew calls for protection in Mercosur negotiations

European farmers have written to the European Commission to “reject any concessions” on the agricultural chapters of the EU’s free trade negotiations with South American trading bloc Mercosur, which they say would expose farmers to unfair competition.

EU stalls on new Mercosur trade offers, delaying deal

Trade talks between the European Union and South America’s Mercosur bloc will likely extend into next year after European negotiators said they needed more time to respond to improved offers, a source close to Mercosur negotiators said yesterday (12 December).

EU sets duties on certain steel imports, tariff price controversial

The European Union has decided to set duties on hot-rolled steel from Brazil, Iran, Russia and Ukraine after a complaint by EU manufacturers that the product used for construction and machinery was being sold at excessively low prices.

Biofuels emerge as burning issue in EU-Mercosur talks

Biofuels have emerged as a make-or-break issue in the EU's negotiations with South American trading bloc Mercosur, and EU farmers fear they will be left to fend off stronger competition in a shrinking market.

Brazil tells the EU ‘it won’t move’ on Mercosur talks without ethanol and beef

Brazil insists that it will not table a new offer as part of the ongoing EU-Mercosur talks until a proposal on beef and ethanol is on the table. EURACTIV Spain reports.

At BRICS summit, China’s Xi urges resistance to protectionism

President Xi Jinping told an international summit today (5 September) that although the global economy had improved, risk factors had also increased.

Brazil in push to bring EU-Mercosur deal to conclusion

The EU and the South American bloc Mercosur are aiming to conclude their free trade negotiations by the end of 2017. Difficult bargaining lies ahead on bread-and-butter market access issues. A European tour by Brazil’s foreign minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira this week is aiming at building political capital to that end.

Mercosur nations prioritise end-of-year EU trade deal

At its biannual summit last week, South American trade bloc Mercosur confirmed that it intends to finalise an agreement with the EU by the end of the year. But experts warn that this timeframe might be too ambitious for a full-blown deal. EURACTIV Spain reports.

EU, Brazil propose farm subsidies overhaul to help developing countries

The European Union and Brazil yesterday (17 July) proposed to the World Trade Organization a reform of farm subsidies in order to "level the playing field" for emerging economies, an EU statement said.

Bolivia chases Schengen visa exemption

Bolivia wants visa-free travel for its citizens in the Schengen area and for Brussels to offer the same perks it does to other Latin American countries. EURACTIV Spain reports.