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 mn. According to the EU, this agreement will save European companies over 4 bn euros in duties. For the textile and clothing industry in particular tariffs have been very high, reaching 35 per cent in Brazil.
“In 2018 EU exports of textile and clothing products to Mercosur were 460 mn 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.”
