Brussels, 3 September 2025 – The European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV) strongly welcomes today’s adoption by the European Commission of the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements.
“At a time of increasing geopolitical and economic challenges, it is more important than ever for the EU to secure and diversify its trade relations with trusted partners. These agreements are a necessary step forward for European wine exports” said Marzia Varvaglione President of CEEV. “We call on the European Parliament and the Council to swiftly advance the ratification process so that wine businesses and wine consumers on both sides can benefit from these historic agreements without delay”, she added.
The EU wine sector is the world’s leading exporter, with almost €16 billion in exports in the last campaign year. EU wine exports to Brazil exceeded €200 million, while exports to Mexico reached a similar level (€198 million) — both representing dynamic markets with strong growth potential.
CEEV and its members firmly support these trade agreements, which will significantly improve access to Brazil and Mexico wine markets by removing tariffs, strengthening the protection of Geographical Indications, streamlining import procedures and creating a more predictable and level playing field for wine trade.
The deals bring clear benefits and pose no downside risks for EU wine producers. They create certainty for our sector.
“Let’s be clear: Brazil and Mexico cannot replace the losses we face in the US market. However, they represent dynamic wine markets where European wines are highly valued and where we see important growing opportunities.” said Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV. “In the current time of tariff uncertainty, the new agreement will eliminate Brazil’s 27% duty on EU wines – a major drag on our companies’ competitiveness and growth” he added.
These agreements are not only beneficial for the competitiveness of European wines but also reinforce the EU’s role as a global leader in promoting stability and open, rules-based trade.
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NOTE TO EDITORS
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- Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV – www.ceev.eu) represents the wine companies in the industry and trade in the European Union: still wines, aromatised wines, sparkling wines, liqueur wines and other vine products. It brings together 25 national organisations and its members produce and market the vast majority of quality European wines, with and without a geographical indication, and account for over 90% of European wine exports.
- Media contact: Dr Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, CEEV Secretary General, ceev@ceev.eu, Mobile: +32 (0)476 88 36 75