The agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur has been a long, technically demanding and politically sensitive journey. It is not a linear process, nor consensual. The resistance of some Member States, such as France, who fear the impact of trade liberalization on their agricultural sectors, is known and understandable in light of their internal realities.
But analysis cannot be held hostage by partial interests. If we look at the entire European space – and, in particular, at the strategic position of countries like Portugal and Spain – the agreement represents a large-scale economic opportunity.
We are talking about a potential market of around 700 million consumers. We talk about the gradual elimination of customs duties, making products more competitive and, in theory, more accessible to the end consumer. We are talking about a new dynamic for global logistics chains, with a direct impact on exports, imports and the organization of customs systems.
Faced with a new commercial balance, it is natural for fears to arise. The elimination of customs duties implies greater competition. Agri-food products from Brazil or Argentina will be able to enter Europe more easily, and the reverse is also true.
Portugal exports wine, olive oil, processed agro-industrial products, fish that is so appreciated around the world, technology and industrial components, including in the aeronautical sector. Currently, markets such as Brazil apply high import taxes to several of these products. Reducing or eliminating these barriers could significantly boost our exports.
Yes, there will be greater entry of South American products into the European space. But it is precisely here that balance will be played: commercial openness with rules, predictability, supervision and, above all, responsibility.
International trade has always been a system of interdependencies. And, when well regulated, it works as an engine of economic growth. As Lisbon prepares to host the Iberian Customs Forum, which will be held for the first time outside Spain, it is important to highlight the importance of this agreement for the peninsula we inhabit. Portugal and Spain share not only a strategic geography, but also historical, cultural and linguistic ties with South America.
We are speakers of common or close languages. This proximity is a huge competitive advantage at a business level, as it facilitates negotiations, reduces context costs and brings markets closer together. Linguistic advantage alone is not enough. It requires preparation from companies and administrative modernization.
For Portugal, the EU-Mercosur agreement has an additional dimension, the geographic one, with ports and airports entering the center of the equation. Our Atlantic position places us as a natural gateway for the entry and exit of goods between Europe and South America. An increase in sea and air trade is expected and this could become, on our scale, a real logistical “push”.
Ports such as Sines, Lisbon and Leixões, as well as the main national airports, could see the volume of operations grow significantly, but this growth will only be an opportunity if there is the capacity to respond. Therefore, speedy customs procedures, effective coordination between control entities, interoperable digital systems and specialized and properly trained human resources are urgently needed.
Without this efficiency at customs level, with systems that are effectively designed to be implemented, there are no conditions for us to have logistical competitiveness. And without this logistical competitiveness, Portugal will always lose to other gigantic-sized European hubs.
The EU-Mercosur agreement could become a relevant force for economic development for both blocs. For Europe, it means the diversification of markets in an uncertain geopolitical context. For Mercosur countries, it represents greater integration into global value chains. For Portugal, in particular, it is a double opportunity. It reinforces exports in sectors where we have recognized quality and consolidates our position as an Atlantic logistics platform.
But no opportunity materializes through inertia. It is necessary to prepare the business fabric, invest in the digitalization of customs services, guarantee regulatory predictability and ensure that control mechanisms are robust, but not blocking. The EU-Mercosur agreement is at the same time economic, political and strategic. It’s not without risk, but closing doors is rarely a solution in an interdependent world.
Portugal has unique conditions to benefit from this new commercial framework. The essential question is whether you will have the strategic vision for this.
International trade is more demanding, more digital and more supervised. If we are prepared – with efficient customs administration, qualified operators and a clear logistics positioning strategy – this agreement could mark a new stage in the country’s economic affirmation. The opportunity is designed. Everyone has the responsibility and duty to turn it into an advantage.
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