On the 24th of April 2026, Finland Chamber of Commerce, together with Finnish-Latin American Business Council, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, Enterprise Europe Network Finland, held a seminar on EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement – Business for Finnish Companies.

Together with EU agreements with Mexico and Chile, the region is becoming one of the most dynamic and accessible markets for Finnish companies.

From bioeconomy and sustainable forestry to mining and critical raw materials, from clean energy and electrification to healthcare innovation and digital solutions, Latin America offers strong demand and long-term growth potential. With the EU–Mercosur agreement, even consumer goods and industrial exports will benefit from reduced barriers and improved market access.

According to the European Commission, the key benefits for Finnish companies of the EU-Mercosur Agreement include tariff savings, predictable rules and streamlined customs, market access and investment opportunities, as well as increased investments in technology, services and logistics in Mercosur countries.

At the event, Heidi Virta, Director Region Latin America, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, gave a presentation on business opportunities and environment in Latin America. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) represent a large, increasingly attractive market for international business. The region’s combined GDP is approximately USD 7.1 trillion, with a population of over 660 million people. Economic growth is expected to continue, with regional GDP growth forecast at around 2.4% in 2026, supported by stabilising inflation and renewed investor confidence.

The event was followed by two panel discussions, one with the Ambassadors of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and the Finnish Ambassador to Mexico, led by Kari Puurunen, Consul of Finland in São Paulo. The other panel, led by Juha Karisola, Commercial Councellor at the Embassy of Finland in Buenos Aires, Argentina, discussed the expectations of trade once the FTA is endorsed with the representatives of Metso, Planmeca Group and Vaisala.

To end the event, Juho Romakkaniemi, CEO of Finland Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the boost for trade that can be achieved through the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement.

Starting on the 1st of May 2026, the EU-Mercosur agreement is provisionally applied, lowering tariffs and other barriers, improving access to the growing markets including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Text and pictures: Jenni Tiainen