After six years of talks, Mercosur and Egypt have signed a Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement will immediately eliminate tariffs on butter, maize, metals, oils, valves and wheat. Duties on milk and industrial products will be phased out within the next four years while remaining tariffs will be phased out over a period of eight to ten years.
At present, there is US$2.268 billion worth of commerce between Egypt and the four Mercosur countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Brazil is Egypt's largest Mercosur trade partner with imports totaling approximately US$87.7 million and exports US$1.44 billion in return. Argentina is Egypt's second-largest Mercosur partner, exporting US$603 million worth of goods to the North African nation and importing US$53.2 million.
The Mercosur countries have certainly been active recently and are in negotiations with the EU about a similar agreement though some EU countries are concerned about the impact upon the EC Agricultural sector if such an agreement was signed.
"Rob has provided customs advice on many occasions, always demonstrating deep knowledge of his subject to help the business mitigate its duty liabilities."
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Stuart Reid, Financial Director Komatsu UK
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CW Winter, Financial Controller Special Metals Wiggin Ltd.
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"ITS helped us to reach a successful conclusion when HM Customs tried to reject our proposed changes by using technicalities."
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D. Suddens, Finance Manager Blanc Aero Industries UK Ltd
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"Rob explains clearly, and gets on with people. He is very constructive and pragmatic. His loyalty to the reds is admirable, if misguided. One of my favourite Scousers!"
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Nick Mallett, Partner DHM Stallard
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K R Maddison, Financial Controller Bard Limited
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