Examines trade and investment trends in the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) in the context of both the Mercosur agreement and unilateral policy changes implemented by member nations to spur economic growth. Profiles of the 4 charter members provide a synopsis of their macroeconomic performance and of the government policies, reforms, and remaining barriers affecting trade and foreign investment. Profiles 5 U.S. export industries that account for 25% of exports to Mercosur countries: power generation equip., motor vehicles and parts, medical devices and equip., computer equip. and parts, and telecom. equip.

A member of the US Foreign Service from 1949 to 1975, Weintraub (political economy, Center for Strategic and International Studies) argues that the organization Mercosur is succeeding, despite recent setbacks, in its goal of encouraging market economies and representative democracy in southern South America. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.