CLEPA welcomes EU decision to provisionally apply EU–Mercosur agreement

CLEPA has joined a coalition of 25 European business associations welcoming the decision by the European Commission to move forward with the provisional application of the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement. The step marks a major milestone after 25 years of negotiations and is seen by European industry as an important boost to competitiveness, opening new opportunities for companies across sectors to expand trade and investment with the Mercosur region.

According to Commission estimates, the agreement could increase EU exports to Mercosur by nearly 40%, generating €48.7 billion in additional annual exports and delivering €77.6 billion in yearly EU GDP gains by 2040. Business groups stress that swift implementation will strengthen value chains, diversify trade partnerships and improve access to key inputs and raw materials, while establishing a rules-based framework with commitments on sustainability, labour rights and environmental protection.