Mendoza export sector warns Brazil diplomatic tension could hurt trade

Argentina’s president Javier Milei and Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula exchanged public criticisms, sparking a diplomatic row that has alarmed Mendoza’s business community. The Federación Económica de Mendoza (FEM) issued a statement stressing that political disagreements must not jeopardise the province’s trade, noting that Brazil purchases more than 30 % of Mendoza’s exports and brings over 100 000 tourists each year.

At the same time, the foundation ProMendoza marked its 30‑year anniversary, reporting that about 700 local firms now export to more than 130 countries. An Inter‑American Development Bank study cited by ProMendoza showed a 24.5 % export increase for companies it assists, and 35 % of new exporters remain in foreign markets for at least three years. Governor Alfredo Cornejo praised ProMendoza as a lasting state policy and affirmed that the bilateral trade relationship with Brazil remains solid despite the diplomatic tensions.