Argentina's outgoing government rejects EU-Mercosur trade deal, but incoming administration backs it

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina’s outgoing government said Monday it won’t support the signing of a long-delayed trade deal between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur during a summit this week in Brazil even thought the incoming Argentine government has expressed support for the deal.

Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero said the agreement as currently written would restrict Argentinian exports. “It is a bad agreement that has a negative impact on manufacturing and agricultural exports,” Cafiero said in an interview with a local radio station, excerpts of which were later released by the Argentine Foreign Ministry.