EU–Mercosur deal seen boosting competitiveness of Brazilian fruit exports

The trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, expected to be signed on Saturday (Jan. 17) in Paraguay, is set to strengthen the competitiveness of Brazilian fruit exports in the European market through the gradual reduction of import tariffs, according to the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).

Brazilian fruit currently faces an average import duty of about 10% to enter the EU market, with rates varying by product — around 8.8% for melons and up to 14% for grapes. Competitors from Central and South America, such as Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, already benefit from exemptions or reduced tariffs under the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).

The removal of tariffs is expected to lower the price of Brazilian products and enhance their competitiveness, said Luiz Roberto Barcelos, an IFPA board member.

Another point highlighted by the association is that Brazilian fruit production does not directly compete with European output. Brazil exports mainly tropical fruits that are not produced in Europe and ships them during the European off-season.

According to data processed by Datamar through its DataLiner platform, Brazil exported 64,267 TEUs of fruit to Europe in the first eleven months of 2025. Below is the monthly historical series of containerized fruit exports shipped from Brazil to the European continent.

Fruit Exports to Europe | Jan 2022–Nov 2025 | TEUs

Source: DataLiner (click here to request a demo)

Grape import tariffs currently range from 8% to 14%. “Once import duties are reduced to zero for Brazilian exporters, we will be on a more level playing field with producers from South Africa, Chile, Peru and the United States, which already do not pay this tax,” said Guilherme Coelho, president of Abrafrutas. Other fruits, such as watermelon and melon, will see their tariffs eliminated ten years after the agreement enters into force.

Source: Globo Rural, adapted by DatamarNews.

Sharing is caring!