Pigs and milk game-breakers in free trade talks

The European Union and Mexico are in talks to reach a free trade agreement. The objective is to mutually trade more (agricultural) products. The trade in milk and pork will be suspended for the time being. That is too sensitive.

Negotiators from Mexico and the European Union are in talks to reach a free trade agreement. During the third meeting, it was agreed that more trade in agricultural products should take place. A total of 6 consultation sessions are on the agenda.

Milk and pork do not participate
Milk and pork, however, are sensitive trade flows in the free trade negotiations. According to a European negotiator, full liberalization is virtually impossible. These flows are therefore an exception. Thus, the negotiations can continue. The aim is to reach an agreement by the end of this year. This agreement must replace the existing agreements.

After China and the United States, the European Union is Mexico's third most important trading partner. The amount that is traded annually now amounts to approximately 57 billion euros. According to the Mexican government, this amount could triple if the two superpowers reach a new trade agreement. 

Wouter Job

Wouter Baan is Head of Meat & Dairy at BoerenbusinessAt DCA Market Intelligence, he focuses on dairy, pork, and meat markets. He also monitors (business) developments within agribusiness and interviews CEOs and policymakers.

w.baan@boerenbusiness. Nl

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