Mercosur and the European Union (EU) will resume negotiations in Brussels next week, between April 24 and 27, with the aim of advancing in different chapters to announce a Free Trade Agreement this year. Spanish fruit and vegetable export to the four countries that make up Mercosur amounted to 101,182 tons in 2017 (7% less than in 2016) and 97.7 million euro (16% less), according to data from the General Directorate of Customs.
Of the four countries that make up Mercosur, Brazil accounts for 92% of Spanish fruit and vegetable exports, with 93,214 tonnes and 92 million euro in 2017. However this trend has been negative in relation to 2016, as there has been a 7% decrease in the volume exported and 16% in the value obtained. Uruguay also registered a negative behavior in terms of Spanish shipments, with a decrease of 47% in volume and 46% in value, totaling 1,501 tons and 1.3 million euro. Argentina registered a positive performance in terms of export volume, as the volume grew by 4% when compared to 2016, totaling 6,440 tons, but the value fell by 1% to 4 million euro. There were no Spanish exports to Paraguay.
Spanish fruit and vegetable imports from Mercosur amounted to 123,932 tons in 2017, i.e. 10.7% more than in 2016. Imports amounted to 125.5 million euro, 16.6% more than in 2016. From the Mercosur countries, Brazil was Spain's first commercial partner, as Spain imported 107,659 tons of fruits and vegetables from this country in 2017, (10% more than in 2016) for 111.3 million euro (+15%). It was followed by Uruguay with 12,720 tons (-1%) worth 9.8 million euro (-1%), and no imports from Paraguay, according to data from the General Directorate of Customs, processed by FEPEX.
The Commission has reiterated on several occasions that agreement is close, despite the strong opposition from some agricultural food sectors in different Member States. The French agrarian sector and in particular the National Federation of Agrarian Trade Unions have expressed opposition to this agreement on several occasions. This week, agricultural organizations from different Member States have protested in Brussels before the headquarters of the European Commission, against the negative consequences that this Agreement will have for the community sector.
Source: fepex