Twenty-six European business associations, including AmCham EU, call for the swift ratification of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement. Representing €153 billion in trade and €380 billion in investment, the deal has the potential to strengthen EU competitiveness, diversify supply chains and promote sustainable growth. With the deal potentially adding €77.6 billion to the EU’s GDP by 2040, EU institutions must avoid delays and work on a timely ratification that will boost market access, support secure trade and benefit over 750 million people across both regions. Learn more in the joint business statement. 

The EU has trade and association agreements with most countries in the Latin American region (eg Mexico, Chile, Central America, Andean Community), with the significant exception of the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). Negotiations between the EU and the Mercosur bloc started back in 1999. More than 20 years later, the EU finally has the opportunity to ratify its most ambitious free trade agreement (FTA), which would also constitute the first trade agreement signed between Mercosur and a major trading partner. With this deal, the EU can secure a first-mover advantage in the region, versus other powers like China. The region can also gain access to substantial untapped growth potential to support its competitiveness. The agreement would give companies in Europe access to a consumer market of 284 million people. However, the EU-Mercosur FTA is much more than just a trade deal. It lays down the foundations for a strategic partnership between the EU and a key fast-growing region. Given the urgency for the EU to boost its competitiveness and diversify its supply chains and partnerships, the EU should ratify this deal as soon as possible. Learn more about the benefits this agreement would bring for businesses operating in Europe.

On Thursday, 27 March, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable on how to navigate e-commerce challenges, focusing on tools for customs and enforcement. The first section was devoted to how the EU is addressing today's challenges and how it can expand its toolkit to be more effective. Afterwards participants examined how we can get ahead of future hurdles through uptake of new tools. 

During the meeting, participants heard from Vanesa Hernandez Guerrero, Head of Unit, Customs Legislation, Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission; Walter van der Meiren, Manager, Brokerage Division, UPS; Giulia Buttini, Director, Government Affairs and Public Policy, HP Inc.; Sophie Claessens, Director, EU Public Policy, Tax and Payments, Amazon; Stefano Mauro, Policy Director, e-Logistics and Taxation, Ecommerce Europe; Sabine Van Depoele, Head of Public and Regulatory Affairs, KU Leuven and Pablo Muñiz, Partner, Head of Customs Practice, Van Bael & Bellis. 

The rise in e-commerce has transformed trade, but also poses significant challenges for customs enforcement, consumer protection and fair competition. A modern, risk-based customs framework is essential to enhance enforcement capabilities and support legitimate trade. Strengthening public-private cooperation, leveraging digital tools and harmonising enforcement across Member States will help ensure a secure, fair and competitive e-commerce ecosystem that benefits consumers and businesses alike. Learn more about how the EU can build a resilient and future-proof e-commerce framework that supports innovation, transparency and cross-border trade.