European wine sector welcomes EU trade deals with Mercosur and Mexico amid global market uncertainty

The European Commission has adopted the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico trade agreements, a move welcomed by the European Committee of Wine Companies (CEEV) in Brussels. The announcement comes at a time when global trade faces uncertainty due to geopolitical and economic challenges. The CEEV, which represents the interests of European wine producers, sees these agreements as essential for securing and diversifying the European Union’s trade relationships.

Marzia Varvaglione, President of CEEV, emphasized the importance of these deals for the wine sector. She called on the European Parliament and the Council to move quickly with ratification so that both wine businesses and consumers can benefit from the new opportunities. According to Varvaglione, these agreements are a necessary step forward for European wine exports.

The EU is currently the world’s leading wine exporter, with nearly €16 billion in exports recorded in the last campaign year. Exports to Brazil exceeded €200 million, while those to Mexico reached €198 million. Both countries are seen as dynamic markets with strong growth potential for European wines.

The new trade agreements are expected to improve access to Brazilian and Mexican markets by removing tariffs, strengthening protections for Geographical Indications, streamlining import procedures, and creating a more predictable environment for wine trade. The CEEV believes these changes will benefit EU wine producers without posing any downside risks.

Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV, noted that while Brazil and Mexico cannot fully compensate for losses in the US market, they offer important growth opportunities. He highlighted that the agreement will eliminate Brazil’s 27% duty on EU wines, which has been a significant barrier to competitiveness and growth for European companies.

The CEEV also pointed out that these agreements reinforce the EU’s position as a global leader in promoting stability and open, rules-based trade. The organization and its members support the deals as they create certainty for the sector at a time when tariff policies are unpredictable in other major markets.

The adoption of these agreements marks a significant development for European wine producers seeking to expand their presence in Latin America. The next steps depend on swift ratification by EU institutions so that the benefits can reach businesses and consumers without delay.