German FM hails EU move on 'historic' South America trade deal

Germany's foreign minister on Friday hailed the EU's move to provisionally implement a "historic" trade deal with South America's Mercosur bloc of countries.

This meant "companies and people from both continents can finally benefit from more prosperity and growth", Johann Wadephul said in a post on X.

"Germany will work tirelessly to help tap the full potential of this historic agreement."

Germany's large car sector also welcomed the decision, with the head of the VDA lobby group calling it "good news for the European economy and the German automotive industry".

"In times of rising protectionism worldwide, the European Commission is sending the right signal for global and fair trade," VDA president Hildegard Mueller said in a statement.

"The potential of the EU-Mercosur agreement is enormous -- which makes it all the more important that it is finally being realised."