EU-Mercosur FTA to axe spirits tariffs
A trade group is calling for the swift ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, which will remove tariffs of up to 35% on spirits.
Trade body SpiritsEurope welcomed the adoption of the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico free trade agreements (FTA) and is calling on policymakers to conclude the deals.
The EU-Mercosur FTA will protect more than 350 EU spirits geographical indications (GIs) while respecting GIs in the South American bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).
Meanwhile, the EU-Mexico agreement will strengthen ties between the two regions.
“After 25 years of negotiations, the EU-Mercosur agreement stands as one of the most ambitious trade deals ever concluded by the EU,” said SpiritsEurope director General Mark Titterington.
“For the EU spirits sector, it offers a critical opportunity to expand market access, secure strong protection for our geographical indications, and foster regulatory cooperation with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Every month of delay is a missed opportunity for growth and jobs in Europe’s rural communities, which is why we call for its swift ratification and entry into force.”
SpiritsEurope said the deal with the South American trading bloc would gradually eliminate tariffs of up to 35% in key markets, cut non-tariff barriers, and provide logistical and regulatory flexibility for European exporters.
The trade group called for the FTAs to be ratified urgently to drive economic growth, jobs and ‘resilient, outward-looking trading relationships’.
Spirits Europe noted that Brazil has a 11% market share of imported spirts. Furthermore, €67,711,022 (US$79m) worth of EU spirits were exported to Mercosur in 2024.
Meanwhile, Mexico is the biggest Latin American market for EU spirits exports.
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