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  1. Negotiations

Uruguay

Uruguay has a nominally progressive government that came to power on the strength of its critique of neoliberalism. However, one segment of the current Frente Amplio administration has leaned in favour of seeking FTA-type economic agreements. There is ongoing discord within the government around the possible signing of an FTA with the US.

Uruguay is a member of Mercosur, which prohibits member countries from signing bilateral FTAs, and the Uruguayan government’s stance has caused significant tensions within Mercosur, at times bringing it to the verge of dissolution.

Intense debate has taken place within the government itself. So far, the faction opposed to FTAs has won out.

Nevertheless, Uruguay signed a trade and investment framework agreement (TIFA) with the US in January 2007. Many observers saw this as a first step towards the signing of an FTA.

Since José "Pepe" Mujica (also with Frente Amplio) took the presidency in March 2010, a new period in Uruguay’s foreign policy began and the country no longer discusses an FTA with the US.

last update: May 2012

Photo: Victor Barro

Uruguay marches on free trade scam
22-Sep-2006 Prensa Latina
Hundreds of Uruguayan workers marched July 18 in front of the Economy Ministry in this capital to reject signing of a US free trade treaty.
Uruguayan workers strike for pay hikes, against U.S. trade deal
21-Sep-2006
Uruguay Labor groups demanding higher wages and an end to Uruguayan efforts for a trade deal with Washington walked off the job for four hours on Thursday, though public transport ran normally and shops and offices stayed open.
US Senate approves US-Uruguay bilateral investment treaty
15-Sep-2006 US Department of State
The US-Uruguay Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will benefit the economies of both countries, is an important step toward closer economic cooperation between the two nations and reflects the United States’ commitment to explore and expand economic opportunities in the Western Hemisphere, say senior U.S. officials.
US-Uruguay free trade agreement
24-Aug-2006 Choike
Two articles by Roberto Bissio, analysing the irreparable mistakes that Uruguay could be making in case of signing an FTA with the United States with regards to the imposition of intellectual property regulations and the opening of state services to competition.
Uruguay to negotiate trade with US
22-Aug-2006
Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez said after a meeting with opposition leaders on Monday that his country will negotiate a trade agreement with the United States "as far as possible".
Main Uruguayan parties reject US FTA
20-Aug-2006 Prensa Latina
The principal political parties and movements of Uruguay rejected possible signing of a free trade agreement with the US on Thursday.
Frente Amplio rejects FTA with US
16-Aug-2006
The Political Board of Uruguay’s Frente Amplio on Tuesday ratified its rejection of the US-sponsored Free Trade Agreements within the framework of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).
Uruguay FM against FTA with US
12-Aug-2006
Uruguayan Foreign Minister Reinaldo Gargano ratified Friday his rejection of signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US.
US-Uruguay Trade: Consolidate Ties Now
19-Jun-2006
The U.S.-Uruguay investment treaty will boost two-way investment and commerce and help advance economic freedom in Latin America.
Uruguay: ’We are not going to sign the FTA with the US’
12-Jun-2006 Green Left Weekly
“We are not going to sign the TLC [Free Trade Agreement] with the United States”, said Hugo Rodriguez, secretary of the Chamber of Senators and director of the Uruguayan Socialist Party. “But we are in a difficult situation.”