1st May 2026: a historic milestone for EU wine as the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement enters into provisional application

Brussels, 30 April 2026 - The European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV) marks 1 May as a historic day for European wine. As of that date, the provisional application of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement, one of the largest trade agreements ever concluded by the European Union, enters into force, opening new and long-awaited opportunities for EU wine exporters across the Mercosur region.

“After more than 25 years, the EU–Mercosur Agreement moves from ambition to reality. In a world of rising trade tensions and a growing need to reach new consumers, this is precisely the kind of open, rules-based partnership that our sector needs. Diversification is not a luxury — it is a necessity. And as of tomorrow, it becomes easier for EU companies” said Marzia Varvaglione, President of CEEV.

The provisional application brings immediate and tangible benefits for EU wine companies. EU wines currently face tariffs of up to 35% in Argentina and 18% in Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, a combined burden that costed EU wine companies over €43 million in 2024 alone. These will now be progressively eliminated.

EU wine exports to Mercosur reached €238 million in 2024, just 1.3% of total EU wine exports, and have doubled over the past decade. Yet the full potential of these markets has remained out of reach due to persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers. With 270 million consumers across the region and a growing middle class in Brazil, which alone accounted for €205 million of EU wine exports in 2024, the Agreement creates the conditions for a step change in market development.

Beyond tariff elimination, the Agreement delivers on three further priorities central to the wine sector. A total of 145 EU wine Geographical Indications will be protected across Mercosur markets, ensuring that the most iconic European wine names are recognised and safeguarded. Import procedures will be simplified and major non-tariff barriers, including divergent oenological practices and complex certification requirements, will be progressively removed. Together, these provisions create a more predictable and level playing field for EU wine companies of all sizes.

“We have been working towards this moment for many years, and as of tomorrow, the wait is finally over. EU wine companies can at last compete on equal terms in Mercosur markets, bringing an end to the long-standing competitive disadvantage they have faced,” said Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV. “This is what a forward-looking EU trade strategy looks like, and we once again thank the European Commission for its work” he added.

The provisional application runs in parallel with the ongoing ratification process. CEEV notes that the European Parliament has referred the Agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union for an opinion on its compatibility with the EU Treaties and hopes that this process will be concluded swiftly and positively, clearing the path for the Agreement’s full ratification and complete entry into force.

• CEEV Press Release - 30.04.2026
• CEEV Leaflet "Unlocking growth: Why the EU-Mercosur Trade Agremeent matters for European wine"