France, April 20 --  

Opening a major industrial trade fair, Merz praised Brazil as a strategic partner in an increasingly fragmented world, while Lula framed the pact as a clear answer to rising protectionism.

"Faced with unilateralism, Mercosur and the European Union have chosen cooperation," he said, in a swipe at tariff-heavy policies elsewhere.

Posting on X, Merz wrote: "Germany and Brazil are connected by a strong partnership: close trade, trust, and commitment to a rules-based order. We are deepening that - for our countries, companies, and citizens."

Their remarks came as Brussels confirmed in March that the EU-Mercosur agreement will take provisional effect from 1 May, capping more than 25 years of negotiations and linki...