Cefic, together with 77 business associations representing different industrial sectors from both the EU and Mercosur, sent a statement to the Presidents of the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Commission, and Hungarian Presidency of the Council asking them to conclude the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations given its economic and political importance for both regions. The letter has also been shared with the Mercosur presidency.
“In times of flagging demand and high need to diversify and strengthen our supply chains to avoid unsustainable dependencies, the EU-Mercosur FTA Agreement is a unique and urgent opportunity for EU companies to get preferential market access to the 5th largest economy. The deal is good for both sides. Past experience has shown that FTAs bring mutual economic value”.
-Sylvie Lemoine, Cefic Deputy Director General
The EU-Mercosur FTA will boost free, fair, and sustainable trade. It will contribute to economic resilience and job creation – benefiting 750 million people in our two regions. It will deliver market access for both companies in both regions, diversify supply chains, foster investments and help deepen cooperation on sustainable development in areas such as forest preservation, social and labour rights based on elevated standards. It strengthens the fight against climate change by committing the EU and Mercosur to effectively implement the Paris Climate Agreement and to cooperate on the climate aspects of trade between the two sides.
You may view the Joint Statement here.