After more than 25 years of negotiations, the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur is finally entering a concrete phase. This milestone opens up new prospects for Italian companies interested in the markets of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
In his article published in Milano Finanza, Alessandro Fichera, CEO of Octagona and Equity Partner at Bonfiglioli Consulting, analyzes the opportunities presented by the gradual reduction of trade barriers. The agreement provides for the gradual elimination of tariffs on 91% of customs codes, particularly benefiting sectors such as machinery, automation, automotive, pharmaceuticals, agri-food, energy, and infrastructure.
But reducing entry costs does not automatically mean conquering a market. To transform this opening into real growth, a targeted strategy, reliable partners, well-established distribution networks, and an in-depth understanding of the local context are required.
Brazil and Argentina offer growing demand for technology, industrial expertise, and solutions for manufacturing transformation. Italian companies can therefore look beyond simple exports by building partnerships, production agreements, joint ventures, and a stable presence in the region.
The initial signs are encouraging: in May 2026, Italian exports to Mercosur countries reached approximately 745 million euros, representing a 21.11% increase compared to the same month in 2025. This figure still needs to be monitored over time, but it confirms the potential of an increasingly strategic market.
ai translated