政策文件-欧盟-南方共同市场自由贸易协定

ACEApolicy paperEU-Mercosur Free TradeAgreement INTRODUCTION In 2024,approximatelyone in every three vehicles produced in the EU found its way tointernational markets. Free trade has been the backbone of this success, drivingnearly a€100 billion surplus for the EU every year. But the road ahead is getting bumpier–risingcosts, tougher competition, and supply chain risks threaten the EU’s position as a globalautomotive powerhouse. With 270 million consumers and a growing appetite for European vehicles, the Mercosurmarket1presents a golden opportunity. The EU-Mercosur trade agreement would eliminatetariffs of up to 35%for the import of vehicles, giving European automakers a competitiveedge over rivals fromother global regions. According to the European Commission’sprojections, the agreement willtriple exports of automotive goodsto the Mercosur blocby2040.And it's not just about exports–securing raw materials from diversified sourcesstrengthens Europe’s economic security at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.European companies will also benefit from access to public procurement in the Mercosurcountries. However, Europe can only reap these benefits if the dealisratified. The EU must moveswiftly, independently approving the trade provisions to avoid unnecessary politicaldeadlocks. Critics argue for stricter environmental safeguards, but the reality is clear: thisdeal already includes some of the strongest sustainability commitments ever negotiated,aligning with the Paris Agreement and tackling deforestation. To safeguard Europe’s automotive leadership, the EU must ratify thedealwithout delay. KEY MESSAGES AT GLANCE FREE TRADE AS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE EUAUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY COMPETITIVENESS •Free tradeis essential to secureaccess to new markets anddiversifyinput sourcesto face competitiveness challenges.•Trade agreements are vital in sustainingand reinforcing the EU’s position as aglobal leader in automotive manufacturing and innovation. MERCOSUR POTENTIAL AS AN EXPORT MARKET •The agreement will helpexpandtheEU’sglobal footprint in an increasinglyprotectionist world. •StrengtheningtheEU’spresence in Latin America, a region with significant growthpotential,iscrucialascompetition fromautomakersfrom other global regionsincreases. IMPORTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT AS PART OF EUECONOMIC SECURITY STRATEGY •The dealwill helpdiversifytrade partnershipsto reduce dependencies and becomemore resilient against external shocks. •It will also enhanceaccess to critical raw materials that are key to the EU’selectricvehiclesupply chain. THE AGREEMENT CONTAINS ROBUST SUSTAINABILITYPROVISIONS •The agreement allows the EU to suspendthe deal if one of the parties formallywithdraws from the Paris Agreement or fails to implement its commitments in“goodfaith”.•Binding commitmentswill requirethe Mercosur countries to adopt measures tofurther stop deforestation as of 2030. KEY MESSAGESIN DETAIL FREE TRADE AS AN ESSENTIAL PILLAR OF THE EUAUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY COMPETITIVENESS Free trade is fundamental to the global competitiveness of the EU automotive industry, withover 30%of the EU’s total vehicle production exported to third-country markets in 2024. As the sector faces significant competitiveness challenges,includingthe impact of US tariffson cars and car parts and components,fierce international competition, high energy costs,increasing regulatory burdens, and supply chain vulnerabilities,it is vital that the EU pursuesan ambitious tradeagreementagenda that removes barriers, secures access to newexportmarkets,and diversifies our input sources. With a trade surplus ofnearly€100 billion every year, the automotive sector is a key driver ofeconomic growth and prosperity. Ensuring free, predictable and rules-based trade conditionswill be essential to sustaining and reinforcing the EU’s position as a global leader inautomotive manufacturing and innovation. The conclusion of this agreement reflects a new direction in the EU FTA2agenda strategywhich should be sustained by ratifying the modernised agreement with Mexico, and byaccelerating negotiations with other relevant partners such as Australia, India,and theASEAN countries3. MERCOSUR POTENTIAL AS AN EXPORT MARKET As global trade dynamics shift towards protectionism,marked by rising US tariffs, aneconomic slowdown in China, and increasing trade barriers worldwide,the EU must urgentlyexpand its global footprint by securing new alliances and accessing untapped markets. TheMercosur bloc, with over 270 million consumers and annual vehicle sales exceedingthreemillion, presents a key opportunity for Europe to strengthen its presence in Latin America,aregion with significant growth potential. This agreement offers a first-mover advantage, ensuring that European automobile exportsenter the Mercosur market at reduced tariffs before competitorsfrom other global regionscan negotiate similar access. By eliminating tariffs of up to 35% on vehicles and auto parts,and tackling tec