The trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur will eliminate customs duties of up to 55% on agri-food products, benefiting Romanian farmers and small businesses.

The implementation of the trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries will lead to the elimination of customs duties of up to 55% for European agri-food products, opening new opportunities for Romanian farmers. Currently, agri-food products account for only 5% of the total EU exports to Mercosur, and the removal of trade barriers will stimulate exports, including from Romania, where in 2024 they were approximately one million euros.

The agreement will protect 344 European products with geographical indications, including 15 from Romania, such as Topoloveni plum jam and Sibiu salami, allowing their sale at higher prices. It will also eliminate customs duties on 91% of traded products, benefiting all Romanian exporters.

In the transport equipment sector, the 35% duties will be eliminated, and for machines and electrical equipment, duties of up to 20% will disappear. Small Romanian businesses will benefit from simplified customs procedures and improved access to public tenders. The agreement, resulting from 25 years of negotiations, creates one of the largest free trade areas in the world, with a population of over 700 million inhabitants.