EU-Mercosur trade deal opens opportunity for textile and clothing companies

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes the conclusion of negotiations  for a comprehensive and ambitious Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay).

EURATEX has been actively engaged  in the negotiation process to ensure an agreement fit for textile and clothing companies, also preserving social and environmental standards in the manufacturing  of high-quality products. “Despite a challenging trade environment, we are glad rules-based trade has prevailed” stated Alberto Paccanelli, EURATEX President.

The EU-Mercosur FTA is the largest trade agreement ever concluded by the European Union, covering a population of 780  million. According to the EU, this agreement will save European companies  over 4 billion euros in duties. For the textile and clothing industry in particular tariffs have been very high, reaching 35% in Brazil.

“In 2018 EU exports  of textile  and clothing  products  to Mercosur  were 460 million euros and the elimination of tariffs will open further business

opportunities for our sector” added Paccanelli, “We look forward  to a swift approval by the European Council and the European Parliament.”

For more information please contact  Ana Manuelito, Public Affairs Officer (ana.manuelito@euratex.eu)