Brasília, November 19, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil is expected to begin negociating with Mercosur member countries - Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay - for a reduction of the block's common tariff (TEC) on corn to zero, so as to ensure there is no shortage of the product domestically in Brazil. At the moment the TEC on corn is 9%.

The Foreign Trade Chamber Management Committee (Gecex) is reported to be unanimously in favor of the zero tariff and the matter will be put on the table at the next Mercosur Common Market Group (GMC) meeting scheduled for November 25. If the GMC does not approve the measure, Brazil intends to put corn on its exception list. (AB)