EU-MERCOSUR Trade Agreement: EU wine needs it!

Brussels, 05 December 2024 – The European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV) reiterates its strong support for the EU-MERCOSUR trade agreement and underscores the critical role it will play in ensuring the long-term economic sustainability of the European wine sector by unlocking new trade opportunities.

“After 25 years of negotiations, the time has come to finalize and swiftly ratify this agreement. The initial provisions on wine market access and GI protection were already promising, but the latest revisions addressing environmental concerns bring additional benefits to both parties. In these challenging times, the agreement represents a vital opportunity for the European wine companies to access new markets and attract more wine consumers,” said Mauricio González-Gordon, President of CEEV.

The agreement, which reduces tariffs and simplifies trade regulations between the European Union and MERCOSUR countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay), is poised to significantly boost European wine exports. For instance, Brazilian consumers represent a rapidly growing market for high-quality European wines but currently face import duties of up to 27%, alongside complex import procedures and national regulations that hinder access.

“There is a persistent misconception that the EU-MERCOSUR agreement is inherently harmful. In fact, it is quite the opposite for EU wine. We face numerous tariffs and non-tariff barriers in Brazil that restrict our potential in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The EU-MERCOSUR agreement would reduce or eliminate these barriers. Moreover, concerns about a massive influx of non-EU wine are unfounded,” said Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV. “We need this agreement, and we will actively advocate for its ratification.”

The EU-MERCOSUR agreement aligns with the European wine sector commitment to sustainability and responsible trade practices. This alignment represents a win-win scenario, advancing both trade and sustainability goals.

The CEEV therefore calls on policymakers to recognize the significant benefits of the agreement and to proceed with its conclusion and ratification without further delay.

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