Brussels 17/01/2026 – Today marks a historic milestone with the signing of the EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement, creating the biggest trading block in the world. European business – represented by more than 28 associations across a wide range of sectors – warmly welcomes this signature. It sends a strong and timely signal that the EU remains open and is committed to rules-based global trade. In a time of global uncertainty, this agreement is a key growth booster.
By opening access to over 270 million consumers via the elimination of trade barriers and the removal of tariffs on over 90% of EU exports, the agreement provides the thrust European companies need to export, invest, and grow, as well as to diversify their supply chains, sourcing essential products and raw materials from Mercosur. By 2040, according to DG Trade’s calculations, the agreement is expected to add 77.6 billion euros to the EU GDP, resulting in a 39% increase in EU exports to Mercosur.
With the agreement now signed, the ball is firmly in the court of the European Parliament in ensuring rapid ratification. We therefore call on Members of the European Parliament to give their consent and allow Europe’s engine of economic growth and prosperity to be switched on and move ahead decisively. After over 25 years of negotiations, we are finally in sight of the finish line. We cannot afford to wait any longer.
List of participants
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)
AmCham EU
BusinessEurope
CAOBISCO – Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of Europe
CEC – European Footwear Confederation
CECE – Committee for European Construction Equipment
CECIMO – European Association of Manufacturing Technologies
CEEV – Comité Vin
CEFIC – European Chemical Industry Council
Cepi – Confederation of European Paper Industries
Cerame-Unie – European Ceramic Industry Association
CIUS – European Sugar Users
CLEPA – European Association of Automotive Suppliers
COTANCE – Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community
EBCA – European Branded Clothing Association
EDA – European Dairy Association
ESF – European Services Forum
ESRA – European Sugar Refineries Association
Eucolait
EURATEX – European Apparel and Textile Confederation
Eurochambres
European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME
European Metals
Medicines for Europe
Orgalim – Europe’s Technology Industries
spiritsEUROPE
The Brewers of Europe
Toy Industries of Europe (TIE)