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ARTICLE · 22 MARCH 2018

Trade Talk: Canada And Mercosur Begin Negotiations

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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On March 20, 2018, Canada began the first round of negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement (CMFTA).

CanadaInternational Law
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
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On March 20, 2018, Canada began the first round of negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-Mercosur free trade agreement (CMFTA). Canada recently announced that it intended to begin negotiations with Mercosur – a trading bloc comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – with the first round of negotiations taking place in Ottawa from March 20 – 23.

BACKGROUND

The current negotiations towards a CMFTA are the result of a decision made by Canada and Mercosur in October 2017, to explore means to deepen their trade relationship. On February 23, 2018, Canada's Minister of International Trade announced the conclusion of exploratory discussions on the possibility of a CMFTA.

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