Cheese and pork from EU easier to Mexico

The EU and Mexico – both facing higher import tariffs for the US – have revived an existing trade agreement a few days before Trump’s presidency. This offers opportunities for the member states’ agrifood exports to the South American country. For example, Mexican import tariffs on European cheese and pork from the EU will be abolished.

The agreement should further boost trade between the EU and Mexico. Mexico is already a major Latin American trading partner for the EU, with €82 billion worth of goods in 2023 and €22 billion worth of services in 2022, according to figures from the European Commission.

Export faster and cheaper
Mexico is a net importer of agricultural goods. The modernised agreement will eliminate tariffs of up to 100% on important European export products such as cheese, poultry and pork, pasta, apples, jam, chocolate and wine. Exports will also become faster and cheaper due to less red tape. In addition, the name of 568 European products with a protected designation of origin may no longer be used if they have a different origin.

In a press statement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "The EU and Mexico are already reliable partners. Now we want to deepen our cooperation even further, to the great benefit of our peoples and economies. EU exporters will gain new business opportunities, including our farmers and agri-food companies. This ground-breaking agreement proves that open, rules-based trade can contribute to our prosperity and economic security, as well as to climate action and sustainable development."

More opportunities for European farmers and food producers
European Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen said: "EU agri-food products are known worldwide and EU farmers supply, making the EU the largest exporter of agri-food products in the world. EU farmers and food and drink producers already export more than €2 billion worth of products to Mexico. This renewed agreement with Mexico will give them even greater market shares and opportunities."

In addition to trade, the agreement also focuses on issues such as reducing risks in supply chains, securing the supply of essential raw materials and tackling climate change.

In December, the EU also concluded an agreement with Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Both agreements still need to be ratified.

Linda van Eekeres

Linda van Eekeres is co-writing editor-in-chief. She mainly focuses on macro-economic developments and the influence of politics on the agricultural sector.

l.vaneekeres@boerenbusiness. Nl

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