European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are meeting in the Mexican capital on Friday to sign a modernized trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs on 99% of products exchanged between the European Union and Mexico, updating the pact that has been in force since 2020 and significantly boosting agricultural trade by removing barriers on pork, cheese, dairy, pasta, chocolate, poultry, and eggs.
Under the new deal, tariffs on 13,000 tons of pork, 20,000 tons of various cheeses, and 13,000 tons of dairy preparations will drop to zero from the current 45% rate.
Mexico will also eliminate high import duties on EU agriculture and food exports including pasta (currently taxed up to 20%), chocolate and confectionery (over 20%), blue cheeses (up to 20%), potatoes (up to 20%), canned apples and peaches (up to 20%), eggs (up to 45%), and economically significant poultry products (up to 100%).
Most tariff cuts will take effect immediately upon the agreement’s entry into force, with others phased in over seven to ten years.
The agreement also grants protected geographical indication status to 568 European food and beverage products in Mexico, including Rioja wine, Parma ham, and Roquefort cheese, in order to combat smuggling and the sale of imitations. The deal further streamlines export procedures for pork and poultry companies, allowing pre-registration and acceptance of products from recognized pest‑free zones without undue delays, at no cost if Mexico chooses to audit EU countries.
Brussels expects the updated pact to boost EU sales to Mexico significantly. The agreement also allows the EU to set higher standards for food safety, worker protection, and environmental safeguards when necessary, while both sides commit to strengthening cooperation on animal welfare and tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Author: Victor Miranda
Source: agencies
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