The Federation of Rural Associations of Mercosur (FARM), which brings together producers from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay, expressed its support for the prompt ratification of the Trade Agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. The statement came after the European Commission formally submitted the proposal to the EU Council and Parliament. In its release, the organization described the treaty as “a historic milestone for the agricultural sector and the regional economy, opening markets, reducing trade barriers, and strengthening the competitiveness of the agricultural and livestock sectors—essential for the economic and social development of Mercosur countries.”
FARM stressed the importance of the bloc’s countries acting quickly in the approval process. “Swift processing of the agreement by the bloc’s countries is essential to ensure the effective implementation of trade benefits,” it noted, further highlighting that the structure proposed by the European Commission allows for the immediate provisional application of the trade chapter.
According to the document, at the end of the tariff phase-out period “95% of the EU market will be duty-free for Mercosur exports,” which would provide a strong boost to exports of beef, fruit, coffee, and ethanol, among other products. “The gradual elimination of tariffs and the expansion of preferential quotas will directly benefit rural producers, with positive impacts on production, employment, and rural incomes.”
