Answer given by Mr Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission
3.3.2025
The potential agreement with the Mercosur represents a key geostrategic and economic interest for the EU. This is all the more true under the current global context, in which geopolitical tensions among the different world powers risk to undermine EU exports, and hence the EU economy.
As regards the agri-food sector, it should be recalled that the EU is the largest global exporter, with EUR 229 billion exports and a trade surplus of EUR 70 billion in 2023.
The agreement will create new opportunities for the products of EU farmers in the highly protected Mercosur markets, by eliminating duties on key EU products, such as wine and other beverages, dairy products, olive oil and high-value processed products. Moreover, the agreement protects some 350 European geographical indications.
Furthermore, trade concessions for sensitive agricultural products are granted under the form of carefully calibrated tariff rate quotas, limited to a very small share of EU consumption. Economic studies carried out by the Commission confirm that the market impact of the Mercosur agreement for EU sensitive products would be very limited[1].
The agreement also provides for safeguards in case of any adverse market effects, covering all products, even those not fully liberalised.
Finally, the agreement will have no impact on health standards or consumers’ rights of EU citizens. Imported products, from Mercosur or from anywhere else , will always have to comply with the high EU health and sanitary standards , including with EU requirements concerning consumer information and traceability.
Such requirements are not negotiable, under any trade agreement.
- [1] Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the Association Agreement negotiations between the EU and Mercosur: https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/analysis-and-assessment/sustainability-impact-assessments_en; Cumulative economic impact of upcoming trade agreements on EU agriculture: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135540; Economic and Sustainability Impact Assessment for Ireland of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c8a6-economic-and-sustainability-impact-assessment-for-ireland-of-the-eu-mercosur-trade-agreement/