Three new free trade agreements approved by the Storting

'In a more unsettled world, it is more important than ever to strengthen our ties with partner countries. These agreements give Norwegian companies better market access, strengthen the rules-based trading system and contribute to growth and jobs at home,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Through the EFTA framework, Norway has concluded new agreements with Malaysia and the MERCOSUR countries Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. The agreements were approved by the Storting earlier this week.

They will give Norwegian companies better access to large growth markets, strengthen economic ties and contribute to more predictable conditions for trade.

In addition, a modernised free trade agreement with Ukraine has been approved.

Opening up a large market in Latin America

The free trade agreement with MERCOSUR was signed in Rio de Janeiro on 16 September last year and will open up access to a large market in Latin America for Norwegian exporters of goods and services.

'MERCOSUR is one of the world's largest economic regions. This agreement links Norway more closely to a market of nearly 270 million people and strengthens the rules-based trading system at a time when it is under pressure,' said Eide.

Eide emphasised that Norway will be a stable and predictable partner for the countries in the region.

Closer cooperation with a growth economy

The economic partnership agreement with Malaysia was signed in Tromsø on 23 June 2025. The agreement will facilitate more trade and closer cooperation with a fast-growing economy in Southeast Asia.

'The free trade agreement with Malaysia will provide better market access and fewer trade barriers, and strengthens cooperation with one of the largest economies in the region. Overall, this will give Norwegian companies a stronger competitive position in an important growth market,' said Eide.

Strengthening Ukraine and European integration

The modernised free trade agreement with Ukraine was signed in Kyiv on 8 April last year. The agreement will help bring Ukraine closer to Europe and facilitate economic growth.

'This is a clear expression of Norway's long-term support for Ukraine. The agreement strengthens our economic ties and lays the foundation for trade, investment and value creation that will be important for the rebuilding of Ukraine,' said Eide.

An important foreign policy tool

'The approval of these agreements comes at a time when trade, foreign policy and security policy are becoming increasingly closely linked. In a world marked by geopolitical rivalry, trade conflicts and growing uncertainty, trade policy has become a key foreign policy tool,' said Eide.

On 1 June, overall responsibility for trade policy was consolidated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As a result, experts on trade law and trade negotiations from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries are moving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

'Bringing these areas of expertise together will improve coordination and make better use of the ministries' combined expertise and resources. It will make us better equipped to safeguard Norwegian interests in both bilateral and multilateral trade relations,' said the Foreign Minister.

Read more about the changes: Changes in the division of responsibilities between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs