Brazil | Iguazu Falls

How do we optimise trade between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay?

8 May 2024 · Prosperity

At an international event in Brazil, IRU, industry leaders and officials from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay discussed pressing challenges undermining trade and transit.

What are the issues impairing cross-border movements between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay? How can TIR streamline trade along the Bioceanic Corridor? How does TIR help with coordinated border management?

IRU, road transport companies and officials from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay debated these questions and much more at a key event – organised by the Commercial and Business Association of Iguazu Falls, the Integration Zone of the Center west of South America and the Araucaria Foundation – in Iguazu Falls, Brazil.

The participants agreed that one of the biggest problems facing cross-border trade is the loss of time during transport, leading to additional costs for operators and customers alike.

IRU provided a detailed presentation on the TIR system, highlighting how it was developed for exactly this purpose: to accelerate border crossing procedures.

Border visit

Following the meeting, IRU visited Brazil’s borders with Paraguay and Argentina to observe firsthand some of the issues slowing down trade and increasing costs.

A survey had also been shared with road transport operators, brokers and shippers to better understand the challenges they are facing.

Brazil’s accession to TIR

IRU’s Senior Legal Adviser TIR Transit Services, Ana Taliberti, also met with the new President of IRU member NTC & Logística, Eduardo Rebuzzi, to discuss Brazil’s accession to the TIR system.

Eduardo Rebuzzi emphasised the importance of Brazil expediting its accession to the TIR Convention, which will significantly improve the security, efficiency and sustainability of trade in the region.

IRU reinforced its continued support for Brazil’s accession to TIR, as well as the accession of Paraguay and the implementation of TIR in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, opening the door to more efficient and secure trade.

What is TIR?

TIR, the only global transit system, enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs via a multilateral, mutually recognised system.

The TIR system streamlines procedures at borders, reducing the administrative burden for customs authorities and transport and logistics companies. It cuts border waiting times significantly, saving time and money.

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