[19980506]98-432_南方共同市场：形成、地位、贸易影响、政策挑战和美国利益.pdf

Chile and Bolivia became associate members in 1996, adding another 21 million inhabitants1and $84 billion (World Bank parity prices) to Mercosurs total.Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-432 FMay 6, 1998Mercosur: Formation, Status, Trade Effects, PolicyChallenges, and U.S. Interests(name redacted)Specialist in Trade RelationsForeign Affairs and National Defense DivisionSummaryMercosur, consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is the thirdlargest preferential trading group in the world. Since its inception in 1991, Mercosur hasmade considerable progress in integrating the economies of its members. The integration- an almost complete free trade area and a partial customs union- has beenaccompanied by a significant increase in U.S. exports and investment to the region. Ingeneral, the United States has viewed the evolution of Mercosur as being supportive ofits political interests as well, although Mercosur is seen as favoring a slower approachto hemispheric economic integration. In the future, Mercosur faces challenges affectingthe size of its membership, the depth of its integration, and the streng