UK, Mercosur Prepare to Launch Trade Talks Amid Tariff Chaos

The UK and several South American nations are preparing to launch trade talks as rising tariffs disrupt global commerce and push countries to diversify their economic partnerships.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and his British counterpart Yvette Cooper discussed starting formal negotiations between the UK and the trade bloc Mercosur in a meeting Tuesday, according to officials from both countries who asked not to be identified talking about a private conversation.

Brazil will now discuss next steps with partners Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia, and a first working meeting could take place as soon as next year, one of the ...