- Country or region
- UruguayMercosur
- Trade topics
- Exporters' stories
- EU exporter
- Italy
This Italian producer of drawing materials was founded in one of Italy's biggest cultural centres, Turin. Carioca has made it possible to put creative ideas to paper for over 50 years. The company provides tools for colouring and drawing, both in Italy and in over 60 other countries.
Key info
- Founded in: 1965
- Headquarters: Turin, Italy
- Employees: 110
- Annual turnover, 2017: €25 m
Company profile
Carioca is specialized in the production of colouring tools, with products such as felt tip pens, pastels and coloured pencils. It believes that creative learning is just as important for children's education as maths, literature and science.
It has recently entered the Mercosur market. But import tariffs to Mercosur on pens and colouring materials can be high – as much as 35%, for instance, on felt-tipped pens in Argentina.
With the trade agreement between Mercosur and the EU, import tariffs would be reduced to 18%.This would allow it to offer its products at lower prices and compete more effectively.
Clearer rules and regulations would also make it easier to certify products and clear them for the Mercosur market, saving time at customs.
The Uruguayan market has proven to be very fruitful for us. It offers a well-organised market where you end up being close to your customers. Without tariffs, we could provide our products at a better price. Clearer rules for the entire Mercosur region would also help us expand in other countries there.
Emilio Minni.
Sales Export Manager, Carioca
How the agreement would help
Opening up Mercosur's market
The agreement will lower Mercosur's import tariffs – not only in Uruguay where Carioca is active, but in all of Mercosur, enabling Carioca to export more and compete more effectively.
Easing export barriers
With the agreement the procedures to exporting to the Mercosur region would be simplified – making it easier for Carioca to export their products.