Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist diplomatist vol-7 Issue -9 sep 2019 | Page 16

SPECIAL REPORT Figure 6 – India and Mercosur bilateral trade fl ows Source: own elaboration based on Trade Map. Figure 7 –Exports of India to Mercosur by product and country Source: own elaboration based on Trade Map. Figure 8 –Imports of India from Mercosur by product and country Source: own elaboration based on Trade Map. 16 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 9 • September 2019, Noida fi laments, chemicals, vehicles and plastics. India faces very high tariffs imposed by the Mercosur countries and the main products are excluded from the preferential tariff when considering the agreement in force. I n d i a ’s i m p o r t s f r o m Mercosur are also concentrated in few products: mineral fuels, mineral oils, vegetable oils and sugar confectionery. There are few products exported from Mercosur to India included in the agreement, but in this case, the preference seems to be non- signifi cant, it is only 1%. Some conclusions • Trade between India and Mercosur countries is low and it is concentrated in a few products. • There is room to deepen the current agreement between India and Mercosur: complementarity is growing. • The reduction of tariffs seems to be insuffi cient: genuine market integration requires addressing non-tariff measures (NTMs) and to harmonize other trade chapters. • The inclusion of services seems to be crucial in order to expand trade relations. • Convergence: regulatory collaboration is crucial. n * Author is Dean, School of Business, Catholic University of Uruguay