The European Commission has adopted the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements, a move welcomed by the European wine sector through its representative body, the European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV), in Brussels. The decision comes at a time when international trade faces mounting uncertainty due to geopolitical and economic challenges.

The CEEV, which represents the interests of European wine producers, described the agreements as crucial for securing and diversifying the European Union’s trade relationships. Marzia Varvaglione, President of CEEV, stressed the importance of swift ratification by the European Parliament and the Council, arguing that the sector and consumers alike stand to benefit from the new opportunities. She underlined that the deals are a necessary step forward for strengthening European wine exports.

The EU remains the world’s largest wine exporter, recording nearly €16 billion in exports in the last campaign year. Exports to Brazil surpassed €200 million, while sales to Mexico reached €198 million, making both markets attractive for further expansion.

Under the new agreements, European wine producers will gain improved access to Brazil and Mexico through tariff elimination, stronger protections for Geographical Indications, simplified import procedures, and a more predictable regulatory framework. According to CEEV, these measures will enhance competitiveness and create a stable environment for trade without posing risks to producers.

Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV, noted that although Brazil and Mexico cannot fully offset losses in the U.S. market, they provide valuable growth prospects. He pointed out that the elimination of Brazil’s 27% duty on EU wines will remove a long-standing barrier to competitiveness.

CEEV further emphasized that these agreements reinforce the EU’s role as a global leader in supporting open, rules-based trade. The organization and its members consider the deals a vital source of stability at a time when tariff policies in other major markets remain unpredictable.

For European wine producers seeking to expand in Latin America, the adoption of these agreements represents a significant step forward. Their full impact depends on prompt ratification by EU institutions to ensure the benefits reach both businesses and consumers without delay.

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