Lula and Macron discuss tariffs and Mercosur-EU trade deal

Brazilian President Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed U.S. tariffs and the Mercosur-EU trade deal in a phone call, aiming to finalise the long-awaited agreement by year-end.

Lula expressed opposition to tariffs on Brazilian goods, and both leaders agreed to work toward concluding negotiations on the EU-Mercosur pact by the end of 2025.

Lula previously expressed hope that the deal could be finalised in the latter half of the year, coinciding with Brazil’s rotating Mercosur presidency, which also includes Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Although the trade agreement was agreed in principle in December, countries such as France have raised concerns that its terms could negatively impact their agricultural sectors.

On X, Macron highlighted his commitment to an “ambitious” EU-Mercosur agreement, provided it protects French and European agricultural interests while benefiting both economies. 

"We also spoke at length about economic issues, particularly tariffs, as well as our bilateral cooperation in the fields of defence and transport," Macron added.

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