Brazil's exports to EU rise 4 pct in first 60 days of Mercosur-EU deal: official

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's exports to the European Union (EU) increased by about 4 percent in the first 60 days since a free trade agreement between the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and the EU took effect, Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin said Monday.

Addressing the 25th Brazilian Agribusiness Congress, Alckmin noted the boost in sales to the EU confirms the agreement's effectiveness in expanding Brazil's access to international markets and diversifying export destinations.

The Mercosur-EU agreement, signed in January after 26 years of negotiations and entered into provisional application in May, provides for the gradual reduction or elimination of tariffs on over 90 percent of trade between the two blocs.

Alckmin said it was necessary to further diversify Brazil's trade given the current rise in protectionist measures.

Regarding trade ties with the United States, Alckmin said Brazil will continue to pursue dialogue to reduce the number of restrictions Washington has imposed on its exports.

In the face of trade difficulties with some markets, he stressed that expanding ties with other partners, including the EU, serves as an important strategy to sustain the growth of Brazil's exports.