🏛️🌍 EU signs historic Mercosur trade agreement amid global tensions

Oneliner

The EU has signed a historic trade agreement with Mercosur, eliminating tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade. The deal, which has been in negotiation since 1999, is expected to boost EU exports to Mercosur by 39% and Mercosur exports to the EU by 17%. However, it faces significant opposition from European farmers concerned about competition from South American products. Approval from the European Parliament and Mercosur countries' parliaments is still required for the agreement to take effect.

Key points

• The EU-Mercosur trade agreement eliminates tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade.
• EU exports to Mercosur are projected to rise by 39%, while Mercosur exports to the EU will increase by 17%.
• The agreement faces opposition from European farmers concerned about competition from South American products.
• Approval from the European Parliament and Mercosur countries' parliaments is still required for the agreement to take effect.

Links

• Le Figaro: Aux antipodes de la guerre commerciale, l’Union européenne signe le Mercosur
• El País: Trump demuestra la necesidad del acuerdo de la UE con Mercosur
• ABC: Del bovino y el porcino al azúcar, los sectores de Castilla y León 'tocados' por el acuerdo con Mercosur
• Corriere della Sera: Mercosur, la qualità di carne, cereali e ortofrutta è davvero a rischio? | Milena Gabanelli
• France 24: El Mercosur y la UE firman un histórico acuerdo comercial y reivindican el multilateralismo
• ABC: Cooperativas Agro-alimentarias Castilla-La Mancha ve "luces y sombras" en el tratado de Mercasur, "beneficiando al vino, aceite y queso"

Facts

• The agreement was signed on January 19, 2026.
• Negotiations for the EU-Mercosur agreement began in 1999.
• The deal covers a market representing 30% of global GDP.
• Protests against the agreement have occurred in France, Poland, and Belgium.

Quotes

• This agreement sends a very strong message to the world — Ursula von der Leyen
• We are choosing fair trade over tariffs — Ursula von der Leyen
• The agreement builds a stable and peaceful multipolarity — Mauro Vieira

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