The Americas: Unlocking Opportunities for Europe’s Wine and Dairy Sectors High-level debate in the European Parliament on the implications of EU–Mercosur and EU–US trade deals[...]

The Americas remain a cornerstone for European agri-food exports. The United States is the EU's largest trading partner, with wine and dairy products accounting for a significant share of bilateral trade. In 2024, EU wine exports to the US reached €4.9 billion, while dairy exports exceeded €2 billion, underscoring the importance of maintaining open and predictable transatlantic trade.

Mercosur, in turn, presents new prospects for expansion, while safeguarding iconic European products through robust geographical indication protections. Brazil for wines, and both Brazil and Argentina for dairy, rank among the fastest-growing markets for European high-quality exports.

Ratifying and implementing these agreements will secure market access and create a stable framework for producers. They are essential to sustaining Europe's global leadership in premium food and drink, supporting rural communities.

Opening the session, MEP Juan Ignacio Zoido stressed the importance of constructive dialogue: "The Americas remain a vital market for European agri-food products. Today's discussion was about ensuring that our trade relationships are fair, stable, and future-oriented, so that these markets can continue to be valuable destinations for our EU wine and dairy and support the long-term sustainability of our companies."

MEP Dario Nardella, underlined the strategic dimension of these agreements: "The EU-Mercosur partnership and our trade relations with the United States are not merely about tariffs; they are strategic tools to provide stability and create opportunities for sustainable growth. This is essential for our farmers, our businesses and our rural areas."

The program featured a key note intervention from European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Christophe Hansen, who emphasised the strategic importance of these agreements for Europe's agri-food companies and rural communities.

DG TRADE Deputy Director-General Mr. Leopoldo Rubinacci, joined sector leaders in a panel discussion to outline the impact of these agreements, the stakes involved, and the current state of play.

From the wine sector, Marzia Varvaglione, President of CEEV, highlighted the stakes: "For European wines, these agreements are essential to securing our future. The EU-Mercosur partnership creates untapped opportunities for growth and diversification in dynamic markets. At the same time, a stable and predictable trade framework with the United States remains crucial to maintain Europe's leadership in wine and support the many businesses that rely on this transatlantic relationship. Both agreements are about building partnerships that foster long-term competitiveness and shared prosperity."

Representing the dairy sector, Alexander Anton, Secretary General of EDA, emphasised the opportunities: "Our sector depends on open, predictable markets. These agreements can secure long-term stability and competitiveness for European dairy while supporting sustainability and rural communities. Expanding market access from North to South strengthens European dairy's global presence and reflects a shared commitment to fair, rules-based trade."

The event concluded with a wine and cheese tasting reception showcasing the excellence of European products and reinforcing the message that strong trade partnerships are key to Europe's future competitiveness.

• CEEV-EDA Joint press release - The Americas: Unlocking Opportunities for Europe's Wine and Dairy Sectors

• CEEV represents the EU wine, aromatized wine and vinegar companies. It brings together 26 associations, from 13 EU countries, plus Switzerland, the UK and Ukraine, and a consortium of 4 leading European wine companies. CEEV members produce and market the majority of quality EU wines, with and without a GI, and account for over 90% of EU wine exports.
• EDAis the acknowledged voice of the European milk processing industry. It provides a European forum for high-level debates on the future of the European "lactosphère" and for in-depth analysis of today's dairy-related topics on the European agenda and encompasses all types of dairy companies, cooperatives and privately-owned dairies, world dairy leaders and SMEs.

• CEEV: Dr Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General, [email protected], +32 476 88 36 75
• EDA: Mr Alexander Roth, Communication officer, [email protected], +32 2 549 50 47