Korea–MERCOSUR Talks Likely to Resume in December... Lee Asks Lula for 'K-Food' Customs Improvements

Korea–MERCOSUR negotiations, suspended since 2021,
Working group established to resume talks in December
Lee requests improved customs and licensing for Korean consumer goods

The Korea-Mercosur (Southern Common Market) Trade Agreement (TA) negotiations are set to resume in earnest this December, coinciding with President Jae Myung Lee’s state visit to Brazil.

On July 28 (local time), Kang Yoo-jung, Chief Spokesperson for the Office of the President, delivered a written briefing in Brazil, stating, "The two leaders have agreed to establish a Korea-Brazil bilateral working group to analyze trade opportunities and sensitivities, with the aim of announcing the resumption of negotiations during the 69th Mercosur Summit in December of this year."

President Lee Jae-myung and Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva are holding a small-scale meeting at the presidential residence in Brasilia on the 27th (local time). 2026.7.28 Yonhap News Agency

Mercosur is a South American customs union comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is the largest economic market in South America and is a region rich in key minerals. Korea began trade agreement negotiations with Mercosur in 2018, but discussions were suspended after the seventh round in 2021.

During his summit with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President Lee emphasized that "Brazil is the number one investment destination for our companies, a key gateway for advancing into Latin America, and a core partner in economic cooperation." He called for special consideration for Korean businesses. In response, President Lula pledged to actively support increased investment and stable business operations.

The two leaders also agreed to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges. President Lula noted the growing interest in K-pop, K-food, and K-beauty in Brazil, while President Lee requested improvements in customs clearance and licensing procedures so that Korean consumer goods—such as food, cosmetics, and health products—could enter the Brazilian market more smoothly.

Furthermore, the two sides committed to strengthening their strategic cooperation in the international sphere. President Lula reaffirmed his support for the Korean government’s efforts, as reiterated in February, toward a peaceful and co-prosperous Korean Peninsula. In addition, both leaders agreed to work closely together on major global issues, including multilateralism and climate change response.

President Jae Myung Lee and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are toasting at a state luncheon held at the Presidential Palace in Brasilia on the 27th (local time). 2026.7.28 Yonhap News Photo by Yonhap News

Following the joint press announcement, a state luncheon hosted by President Lula and his spouse took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. At the end of the lunch, President Lula remarked, "Education is the most important investment for the future," and expressed his desire to broaden cooperation by sharing Korea's experiences.

The luncheon was prepared by renowned Brazilian chef Mara Salles, who hails from São Paulo. Chef Salles is known for her extensive research into ingredients and regional food culture throughout Brazil, promoting the value of Brazilian cuisine to the world.

Cards decorated with the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro were placed on the luncheon table. This was the "Hanbok Media Facade of Christ the Redeemer" piece, created by Jinhee Lee, an honorary ambassador for Jinju Silk.

The inside of the cards was adorned with "Oksa Silk Bojagi," crafted by textile artist Jessica Yoo. Chief Spokesperson Kang explained, "It was created using traditional Korean bojagi techniques, joining fabric pieces colored in the shades of the Brazilian flag, to express a special welcome to the President of Korea and his delegation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.