Right, so, "Commerce" you say? Riveting. Naturally, like a glazed donut in a sugar factory, it’s behind a paywall. As if the headline wasn’t already beige enough.
Oh look, farmers. Angry farmers. Chuckles mirthlessly. Sounds about right. They’re probably fuming over the price of a tractor tyre ever since that fella Trump decided Brexit was a fantastic idea.
"Trade agreement with South America." Oh, the allure of a good old fashioned mercantilist bonanza. Imagine, lads: 780 million consumers, all clamouring for overpriced European cheese and questionable fashion.
Of course, someone’s gotta be the drama queen in this global marketplace tango, isn’t there? Enter France. They’re the only ones having a go at this South American shindig. Typical.
Let’s be honest, unless it involves berets, mime artists, or complaining about the price of croissants, the French just aren’t interested.
But seriously, they’re worried about the environment, the farmers, the… squints at notes "industrial fabric?" Sounds like someone’s been watching too much Marx.
That being said, if Trump resurrects himself like some sort of orange-tinted zombie, I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone starts grabbing onto any trade deal they can get their hands on.
It’s a funny old world, isn’t it? One minute you’re worried about global warming, the next you’re fighting over the right to sell cheap tractors to sweaty Argentinians.
And don’t even get me started on the Chinese. They’re just waiting in the wings with their chopsticks ready to scoop up whatever’s left.
Bloody hell. Commerce, eh? More like a circus designed by a Machiavellian accountant.
Maybe we should all just grow our own veg and wear burlap sacks. At least then we’d know where we stand.
Commerce
Article reserved for subscribers
Angry farmers fileObject of the farmers’ mobilization from Monday, the trade agreement with South America is, for the majority of European states, essential to the economic security of the EU, especially after the election of Donald Trump. France is the only big country to want to oppose it.
Will Trump 2.0 accelerate the signing of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) which should create a vast commercial zone of 780 million inhabitants? ? The fear aroused by the imminent return to power of this isolationist Republican, who has promised to launch a trade war against Europe and China, pushes the Commission and the vast majority of Member States to want to conclude as quickly as possible. , even if this means going beyond France. Especially since China is only waiting for one thing, to take Europe’s place in a market in which it is increasingly present.
Already, the election of Trump 1.0 had given new vigor to these trade agreements whose hour of glory seemed to have passed. Thus, two years after the 2016 election, the Union finalized negotiations which had dragged on for almost ten years with Japan before entering into a series of agreements with Singapore, Vietnam and New Zealand. Today, Europe has the largest free trade system in the world, having concluded around forty treaties.
Part of public opinion, particularly in France, remains opposed to it, seeing it as a threat to agriculture, the environment and the industrial fabric. But American isolationism – which has not been denied during the presidency of Joe Biden, notably with the adoption of the Inflation Reduction Act aimed at accelerating the transition
What are the potential benefits of the EU-Mercosur trade deal?
## Interview Segment: Bracing for a South American Trade Deal?
**Host:**
Welcome back to the show! Today we’re talking about a potential trade deal between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur. This deal has been in the works for over 20 years, but now it seems to be entering a decisive phase. Joining us to discuss this complex and controversial agreement is Professor Eleanor Ramirez, an expert in international trade. Professor Ramirez, thank you for being here.
**Professor Ramirez:**
Thank you for having me.
**Host:**
So, Professor, tell us, what’s the big deal about this EU-Mercosur trade deal?
**Professor Ramirez:**
Well, as you said, it’s been a long time coming. This agreement would create a massive free trade zone encompassing some 780 million consumers [1].
There are definitely potential benefits: increased market access for goods from both regions, potential for economic growth, and diversification of trade partners.
**Host:**
But it sounds like there are also some roadblocks, particularly from France?
**Professor Ramirez:**
Absolutely.
[1] France has been a vocal critic of the deal, citing concerns about the environmental impact, the potential effects on local farmers, and what they call the detrimental impact on the “industrial fabric” of France.
While these concerns are legitimate and need to be addressed, some argue they are being exaggerated, and that the deal overall would be beneficial.
**Host:**
Interesting. It sounds like a classic case of short-term gain versus long-term sustainability, wouldn’t you say?
**Professor Ramirez:**
I think that’s a fair assessment. There’s a delicate balance to be struck between opening up markets and protecting local industries and the environment. Negotiating trade deals is never easy, and this is no exception.
**Host:**
Well, Professor, thanks for shedding light on this complex issue. We’ll definitely be following this story closely as it unfolds.
**Professor Ramirez:**
Thank you for having me.
**Host:**
And we’ll be right back after a short break.
