#Associations

2026-01-22

European business associations celebrate the signature of the EU-Mercosur FTA

The 17th January 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)

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