Ireland and France continue to hold up EU-Mercosur trade deal

In Argentina, Reuters reports that Ireland and France continue to stand in the way between the European Union and Mercosur countries concluding a multilateral trade deal before the end of the year. European ethanol producers have complained about increased import quota, saying an increased quota in a stagnant market will push them out of business. Though it was hoped the deal would be signed this week during WTO meetings in Buenos Aires, Mercosur is still waiting for a better offer on ethanol and beef from Europe.

More on the story.