BRUSSELS – The European Commission announced today its commitment to safeguard farmers from potential disruptions stemming from the agreement with Mercosur, projecting an annual export increase of 39% to these Latin American nations, equivalent to an additional 49 billion euros.
As outlined by the community executive, upcoming proposals to the Council of the European Union (EU) aim to facilitate a 39% rise in the EU’s annual exports, resulting in an extra 49 billion euros.
This agreement, which aims to establish “the largest free trade area in the world,” will minimize “customs duties that are often prohibitive for EU exports,” including essential industrial products such as cars (currently at 35%), machinery (between 14% and 20%), and pharmaceuticals (up to 14%).
The European Commission anticipates that agri-food exports will “increase by at least 50%” due to tariff reductions, particularly benefiting wine and spirits, chocolate, and olive oil, while defending 344 products with geographical indication protection from imitation and “unfair competition.”
A key focus of the European Commission’s presentation was the proposed safeguards specifically designed for the agricultural sector, which has been a vocal critic of the agreement.
“We listened to all concerns; this agreement represents a new Mercosur deal. We engaged with our partners in Mercosur, EU member states, and agricultural representatives to ensure a fair and beneficial agreement,” stated European Commissioner for Trade, Maros Sefcovic, during a press conference in Brussels, assuring the presence of “strong safeguards.”
These safeguards, as described by the community executive, will shield producers from “a harmful increase in imports” from Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. (03/09/25)
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