As the European Union struggles to complete a trade deal with Mercosur, competitors eyeing South America’s consumer market and vast mineral resources are taking note. Japan is “very interested in how things happen” on the EU-Mercosur deal since Japanese companies often compete directly with European firms, he said. Impatience about the EU surfaced at a meeting of Mercosur government leaders on Saturday after resistance from European farmers — particularly in France and Italy — once again caused a delay. “Meanwhile, Mercosur will continue working with other partners.”European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had been expected at the summit to sign the EU-Mercosur deal. The EU-Mercosur deal remains the holy grail for South America.

Source: Irish Examiner December 21, 2025 15:37 UTC