EU-MERCOSUR deal hurts European farmers

In response to the EU-MERCOSUR agreement signed in 2021, European farmers are once again clashing with government institutions. According to Andrei Sych, "the Élysée Palace finds itself in a difficult position." He noted that the agreement allows the German automotive industry to export cars to Brazil at a huge discount, while Brazil and Argentina deliver meat, grain, and wheat to Europe, which could repeatedly "undercut" prices for European farmers. Alexey Volkov added that the "green" requirements within the agreement suffocate farmers with environmental regulations. Farmers across Europe are organizing protests: transporting tractors, blocking roads, and "decorating" government buildings with manure to express their discontent. There has been no official response yet from the EU or trade representatives.

Context

The EU-MERCOSUR agreement, signed in 2021, provides for significant tariff reductions between Europe and South American countries, affecting global agricultural trade flows.