EDA Welcomes EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement as Trade Milestone
Source: DairyNews.today
The European Dairy Association (EDA) has hailed the newly finalized trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc—comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—as a historic achievement, marking the culmination of two decades of negotiations.
The agreement, covering a population of over 780 million, is seen as a key step in advancing EU trade policy while promoting economic cooperation and mutual growth.
“A Real Breakthrough”
“This agreement is a testament to the exceptional efforts of the EU Commission,” said Alexander Anton, Secretary General of the EDA. “In a challenging global trade environment, this is a real breakthrough that underscores the EU’s ambitions and the outstanding work of its negotiation teams.”
The deal integrates modern trade principles, focusing on enhanced market access, diversified supply chains, and investment opportunities. It also emphasizes sustainable development goals, including climate action and forest preservation, to ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
Dairy Sector Opportunities
Mercosur countries boast strong dairy traditions, with self-sufficiency rates ranging from 98% to 281%. However, dairy trade within the bloc has historically been regional, with limited EU exports of cheese and milk powders to these markets.
The agreement is expected to unlock significant opportunities for European dairy exporters, facilitating reduced tariffs and eliminating non-tariff barriers. “This deal opens the door for Europe’s dairy sector to expand its footprint in Mercosur markets,” Anton noted.
Geographical Indications Protected
A key component of the agreement is the protection of over 350 high-quality European food and drink products, including iconic dairy items like Belgium’s Fromage de Herve and France’s Comté. These geographical indications will be shielded from imitation in Mercosur countries, bolstering the reputation of European dairy exports.
Path Ahead
The EDA emphasized that while the agreement represents a significant milestone, implementation will be critical to ensuring the intended benefits for all parties. “This is just the beginning. The agreement sets the framework, and now the focus shifts to execution and fostering deeper trade relations between the EU and Mercosur,” said Anton.
With the EU-Mercosur pact in place, the European dairy sector is poised to strengthen its position on the global stage, leveraging the agreement’s provisions to drive growth and innovation in international markets.
“A Real Breakthrough”
“This agreement is a testament to the exceptional efforts of the EU Commission,” said Alexander Anton, Secretary General of the EDA. “In a challenging global trade environment, this is a real breakthrough that underscores the EU’s ambitions and the outstanding work of its negotiation teams.”
The deal integrates modern trade principles, focusing on enhanced market access, diversified supply chains, and investment opportunities. It also emphasizes sustainable development goals, including climate action and forest preservation, to ensure equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
Dairy Sector Opportunities
Mercosur countries boast strong dairy traditions, with self-sufficiency rates ranging from 98% to 281%. However, dairy trade within the bloc has historically been regional, with limited EU exports of cheese and milk powders to these markets.
The agreement is expected to unlock significant opportunities for European dairy exporters, facilitating reduced tariffs and eliminating non-tariff barriers. “This deal opens the door for Europe’s dairy sector to expand its footprint in Mercosur markets,” Anton noted.
Geographical Indications Protected
A key component of the agreement is the protection of over 350 high-quality European food and drink products, including iconic dairy items like Belgium’s Fromage de Herve and France’s Comté. These geographical indications will be shielded from imitation in Mercosur countries, bolstering the reputation of European dairy exports.
Path Ahead
The EDA emphasized that while the agreement represents a significant milestone, implementation will be critical to ensuring the intended benefits for all parties. “This is just the beginning. The agreement sets the framework, and now the focus shifts to execution and fostering deeper trade relations between the EU and Mercosur,” said Anton.
With the EU-Mercosur pact in place, the European dairy sector is poised to strengthen its position on the global stage, leveraging the agreement’s provisions to drive growth and innovation in international markets.
