We can’t ignore this news, we’re going to tell you about it!<\/p>\n\n
The Mercosur economic alliance, created by the Treaty of Ascension on March 26, 1991, consists of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and, since 2023, Bolivia ( not included in the agreement<\/em> ).<\/p>\n\n Since 1999, the European Union and Mercosur had been negotiating an association agreement with two objectives: the development of trade relations<\/strong> and the promotion of cooperation and political dialogue between the two parties<\/strong> . A first agreement was concluded on June 28, 2019. <\/p>\n\n The free trade component will eventually eliminate 91% of the customs duties imposed by Mercosur countries on European products and 92% of the customs duties<\/a> applied by the European Union on South American products arriving in the Union. <\/p>\n\n After 26 years of negotiation and thanks to the approval of a majority of member states, the European Commission gave its green light on January 9, 2025 to the signing of this agreement.<\/p>\n\n And that’s precisely what this is about: CUSTOMS DUTIES, meaning the taxes applied to the import (and sometimes export) of goods. So here we’re talking about the taxes the EU collects on imports of products from MERCOSUR, and conversely, the taxes collected by MERCOSUR countries when European goods enter their territory. <\/p>\n\n This relationship is particularly important for the EU, which sources minerals like lithium and copper from these countries and sees this agreement as an element of “economic security.” The agreement should help limit dependence on China on the one hand, and on the United States on the other, as both countries are developing more protectionist barriers. <\/p>\n\n As for France<\/a> , exports to MERCOSUR would represent, according to the European Commission website, \u20ac5.56 billion.<\/p>\n\n To give an idea of \u200b\u200bthe scale involved, it is worth noting that in 2024 (the figures for 2025 have not yet been released), French exports<\/a> to all countries combined amounted to \u20ac598.3 billion. <\/p>\n\n For the Mercosur agreement, the elimination of customs tariffs on French exports concerns: <\/p>\n\n The agreement also provides for the protection of products and drinks under French geographical designation: certain cheeses<\/strong> ( Comt\u00e9, Gruy\u00e8re\u2026<\/em> ), certain wines and spirits<\/strong> ( Chablis, Champagne, Rhum de la Guadeloupe<\/em> , Cognac \u2026<\/em> ), Camargue rice<\/strong> , certain meats and pork<\/strong> ( Boeuf de Charolles, jambon de Bayonne\u2026<\/em> ), certain butters<\/strong> ( Beurre des Charentes<\/em> \u2026), Marennes d’Ol\u00e9ron oysters<\/strong> , Agen prunes<\/strong> as well as lavender essential oil and essence from Haute Provence<\/strong> . <\/p>\n\n Cheese producers will also benefit from the recognition of 344 “geographical indications” protecting them from imitations.<\/p>\n\n So at this stage of the discussion, we think: “Great, with this free trade agreement, French products will arrive cheaper in these countries, which could open up new markets and opportunities for French companies.<\/strong> “<\/p>\n\n This is especially true since quotas have been put in place to limit imports of agricultural products<\/a> and avoid (too much) competition with European farmers’ production. These quotas limit the volume of imported goods to between 1.6% and 2% of European consumption. This includes beef, poultry, sugar, ethanol for the chemical industry, and rice. Furthermore, these quotas are accompanied by a safeguard mechanism that can suspend trade benefits if significant harm is caused. <\/p>\n\n To this, and due to the numerous complaints that have been heard on the matter, the following have been added:<\/p>\n\n Strengthened and easier-to-implement safeguard measures<\/u><\/strong> : On October 8, 2025, the Commission presented a<\/a> proposal for a regulation<\/a> implementing the bilateral safeguard clause provided for in the agreement with Mercosur. To ensure its effectiveness, the proposal specifies the conditions for applying the procedure. On December 17, the European Parliament and the Council reached a first provisional agreement aimed at strengthening the protection of farmers in the Union. This agreement provides for a list of sensitive products<\/a> subject to enhanced monitoring (prices, import volumes), with the Commission preparing a semi-annual monitoring report. Regarding the opening of an investigation, the provisional agreement reached to date stipulates that an investigation is triggered as soon as imports of a sensitive product increase by at least 8% or the price of the imported product falls by at least 8%, and in either case, the price of the imported product is 8% cheaper than the equivalent European product.<\/strong> The investigation must be opened within four months and in case of emergency, provisional measures may be introduced within a maximum period of 21 days. <\/p>\n\n Strengthened controls on agricultural products imported into the EU<\/u><\/strong> : On December 9, the Commission presented several measures<\/a> aimed at strengthening controls at EU borders and in third countries. These measures are part of the Vision for Agriculture and Food and are not specific to Mercosur; they will apply to all controls related to agri-food imports. These measures include an increase in the number of audits carried out in third countries as well as those conducted at European border control posts. Finally, a task force will be created to make import controls more effective, particularly regarding pesticide residues. <\/p>\n\n Food safety measures to ensure a level playing field<\/u><\/strong> : On December 19, the Commission presented a package of measures<\/a> on food and feed safety, including adjustments to import production standards regarding pesticide residues<\/strong> , based on the results of the ongoing impact assessment<\/strong> , to ensure a level playing field. <\/p>\n\n First, the benefits are not obvious because exports to Mercosur countries are limited and the elimination of customs duties will be gradual, extending up to thirty years for vehicles.<\/p>\n\n But above all, the problem is the thought process.<\/p>\n\n The problem is: WHERE IS THE COMMON SENSE? What is the need to import beef and poultry into Europe when we already produce it ourselves<\/strong> ? We should have conceded on this point to send cars and spare parts, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals locally, which are the key sectors of the European Union. But come on! <\/p>\n\n The problem is that customs duties are still beneficial<\/strong> because they generate revenue for the government and increase the prices of imported goods, thus giving a price advantage to products manufactured within the domestic market. This is especially true when the products in question are already produced (under very different constraints) in the EU! <\/p>\n\n The problem is that we don’t see the problem with selling chemicals not authorized in the EU in those countries that allow them, to produce goods that will then enter the EU<\/strong> (!!) So yes, these products will have to comply with the MRLs<\/a> , but given the means of control envisaged ( see below<\/em> ), it’s a joke, isn’t it? <\/p>\n\n The problem is that, once again, economic interests prevail, to the detriment of environmental concerns<\/strong> . The “sustainable” aspect of this agreement is extremely weak, particularly regarding the means of monitoring practices and products. We welcome the investments in sustainable initiatives (though a closer look is still needed), but the first two paragraphs addressing the topic are more than vague! What role will civil society play in monitoring these initiatives? <\/p>\n\n It’s so delicious that I can’t resist sharing what the European Commission website says about it:<\/p>\n\n The agreement integrates environmental issues into its sustainable development section. It includes commitments regarding fisheries and sustainable forest management. It reaffirms the implementation of the Paris Agreement and promotes environmentally friendly supply chains, such as those for Brazil nuts sourced from natural forests. <\/em><\/p>\n\n Under the agreement, the dispute settlement mechanism can be invoked<\/strong> when a party fails to comply with a commitment under the chapter on trade and sustainable development. This mechanism provides for external oversight by a group of independent experts, a role for civil society at all stages of the proceedings, and the possibility of seeking expertise from international organizations. <\/em><\/p>\n\n Also, within the framework of the Global Gateway<\/a> investment program in third countries, a strengthened cooperation fund of 1.8 billion euros will support in particular investments in the development of new sustainable value chains for forests, for example in the Amazon.<\/em><\/p>\n\n Finally, on May 31, 2023, the “zero deforestation” regulation<\/strong> was adopted. It covers supply chains and guarantees that a range of goods placed on the European Union market will no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation. This regulation notably concerns the placing of soy and beef on the European market.<\/strong> It has entered into force, and its implementation is scheduled for the end of 2025<\/a> , though it could be postponed until the end of 2026. <\/em><\/p>\n\n That’s all that’s been said about the environmental dimension of this agreement. The assessment report<\/a> commissioned by the French Prime Minister in 2020 is worrying regarding the increase in deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions linked to this agreement. <\/p>\n\n In short, and with the free trade agreement with MERCOSUR, we continue business as usual, pushing the disgusting at the expense of common sense, men, women, biodiversity… of Life.<\/strong><\/span> <\/p>\n\n That’s the problem<\/strong><\/span> .<\/strong><\/p>\n\n ***<\/p>\n\n You know that we support the Earth Uprisings<\/a> ; here is an action carried out at the end of last year<\/a> that may interest some of you:<\/p>\n\nMoney, money, money<\/h2>\n\n
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A great opportunity for France!<\/h2>\n\n
So where’s the problem?<\/h2>\n\n