Mercosur trade deals lift Uruguay exports and advance EFTA free‑trade ratification

Uruguay's export volume reached US$1.219 billion in July 2026, a 4 % increase over the same month a year earlier. Beef led the market with US$280 million in sales, followed by cellulose and dairy products. The sector shipped to more than 55 destinations, with the European Union, China and Brazil among the top buyers. Tariff savings from the Mercosur‑EU agreement amounted to US$2.1 million.

In Argentina, the Senate’s Foreign Relations and Worship Committee began deliberations on the Mercosur‑EFTA free‑trade agreement. Officials from the foreign ministry and economy ministry presented the treaty’s provisions, highlighting expected tariff reductions and expanded market access for Argentine exporters to a bloc of about 15 million high‑income consumers. The agreement is seen as a step toward greater legal certainty and investment between the two regions.