Brazil is considering, for the first time, pushing for a partial trade agreement between the Mercosur bloc and China, senior government officials have said.
The move would mark a significant policy shift for Latin America’s largest economy, which has traditionally favored collective trade negotiations within Mercosur.
Officials said the proposal under discussion would stop short of a full free trade agreement, focusing instead on limited tariff reductions and sector-specific cooperation.
Brazilian authorities believe a partial deal could expand market access for key exports while addressing long-standing concerns among domestic industries.
China is already Brazil’s largest trading partner, with strong demand for Brazilian agricultural commodities, minerals, and energy products.
Read Also: China Executes 11 Linked To Myanmar Scam Compounds
Mercosur, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, has historically struggled to reach consensus on trade liberalization with major economies.
Some member states have expressed caution, citing fears that deeper trade ties with China could undermine local manufacturing sectors.
Brazilian officials said discussions remain at an exploratory stage and would require broad alignment within the bloc before formal negotiations begin.
They added that any agreement would aim to balance economic opportunity with protections for sensitive industries.
The potential initiative comes as Brazil seeks to diversify trade partnerships amid shifting global economic dynamics.
No timeline has been announced for a final decision or for possible engagement with Chinese authorities.
