Mercosur–EU ratified: 450 million consumers open up to agriculture and industry

Through Ley 27.800 Argentina approved the Interim Trade Agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, concluded in Asunción on Jan 17, 2026 (23 chapters with annexes and appendices): a free-trade area with a bloc of ~450 million consumers that progressively eliminates tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade. The agreement has applied PROVISIONALLY since May 1, 2026 (the EU must still complete its ratification: European Parliament consent and CJEU review). On the export side: the Hilton quota moves to zero tariff and a new quota of 99,000 t carcass-weight equivalent of beef opens with a 7.5% in-quota tariff (55% chilled / 45% frozen), phased in over 5 years; the allocation of that quota among the 4 Mercosur partners remained unsettled as of June 2026 (it operates first-come, first-served/'FIFO'; Argentina claims ~30% based on the 2003 precedent, Paraguay disputes it). On the import side: European cars get a 50% tariff reduction over 8 years and a quota of 15,500 units/year, plus quotas for dairy, garlic and chocolate. Declarations of Origin are valid for 12 months (Provision 1/2026). verif · May 1, 2026 ↗

2026-05-01 (provisional application) verif · May 1, 2026 ↗

Exporters of beef, poultry, agri-food products, honey, ethanol and manufactures that gain preferential access to the EU; beef packers and the meat chain (new quota + Hilton quota at 0%); SMEs and customs brokers (Declaration of Origin regime); importers/consumers of European goods. Sensitive industrial sectors face European competition under long phase-out schedules (8+ years). prob · Apr 16, 2026 ↗