Send us a text In this episode of Global Trade Deciphered, host Justin Hayden Miller discusses and analyses the newly signed EU-Mercosur trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay). Signed on January 17, 2026, after 26 years of negotiations, this landmark deal eliminates tariffs on over 90% of goods, boosts access to critical minerals like lithium, and covers investment, intellectual property, and sustainable development. But is it Europe's strategic move to counter U.S. trade policies under Trump? Justin analyzes the geopolitical implications, including how U.S. foreign policy is pushing nations toward closer ties with China, as seen in Paraguay's president's remarks on strategic partnerships. He explores farmer protests in France and Europe, opposition from countries like France, Poland, and Hungary, and the challenges of ratification—including potential vetoes, European Parliament approval, and even a possible European Court of Justice review. Key discussions include: Tariff reductions on industrial products, cars, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, wine, and agriculture (with quotas for sensitive items like beef).Safeguards for EU standards on labor, environment, and deforestation.Broader trends: Deglobalization, anti-globalization protests echoing 1999, and predictions for 2026 global trade shifts.Audio clips from Paraguay's President Santiago Peña, U.S. President Donald Trump, and EU President Ursula von der Leyen.This episode is essential for understanding 2026 trade policies, EU-Mercosur impacts on global supply chains, Trump tariffs' ripple effects, and the future of international business amid farmer revolts and geopolitical pivots. Timestamps: 00:02 – Intro: Arctic Tensions & Episode Overview 03:11 – Paraguay President Peña on China Partnerships 03:38 – Trump's Policies Pushing Allies Toward China 12:15 – Trump on EU Challenges 12:26 – EU Decision-Making Complexities 14:33 – Von der Leyen on Trade Growth Estimates 14:51 – Analyzing the "Substantial" 9 Billion Euro Projection 15:10 – Von der Leyen on Investments in Cars & Chemicals 15:38 – Putting Trade Figures in Perspective End – Predictions: Ratification Rollercoaster & Anti-Trump Deals Hosted by Justin Hayden Miller, a Paris-based global trade advisor and strategist with 25+ years of experience, former partner at a top-tier European law firm, and senior leader in Big-4 international trade and tax practices. Global Trade Deciphered explores global trade, geopolitics, and the economy with expert insights for business leaders, policymakers, and trade enthusiasts. Reference press articles mentioned during the episode: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/15/greenland If you like the podcast, please subscribe so you don't miss any episodes and leave a rating. Also tell friends and colleagues about it so the podcast can grow. *Follow Justin on X: @JustinHaydenM or contact us by email at GlobalTradeDeciphered@gmail.com Sign up to our newsletter. (We won't spam you and will remove your email on your request.) https://bit.ly/PrivilegedDiscussions *Disclaimer: This podcast is simply for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not in way constitute legal, business, financial or other advice whatsoever. Should you require advice then please seek such from an appropriately qualified professional, explaining your specific circumstances.
