Since 1 May 2026, the EU–Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement (iTA) has been provisionally applied, marking an important milestone in trade relations between the European Union and the Mercosur countries: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
This means that many of the agreement’s trade-related provisions are now in effect, allowing businesses to benefit from improved market access and preferential tariff treatment.
What changes from 1 May 2026?
The provisional application of the iTA introduces several opportunities for companies trading with Mercosur countries, including:
- Reduced or eliminated import duties on a wide range of products
- Improved access to Mercosur markets
- Simplified and more predictable trade rules
- Greater legal certainty for exporters and investors
- Enhanced opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
To benefit from preferential tariff treatment, businesses must ensure that they comply with the applicable rules of origin and customs requirements.
A major economic partnership
Mercosur represents one of the world’s largest economic regions, with more than 270 million consumers. The EU is already a key trading and investment partner for the region, and the agreement is expected to further strengthen commercial ties between both markets.
What should businesses do now?
Companies trading with or sourcing from Mercosur countries should review:
- Whether their products qualify for preferential tariffs
- The applicable rules of origin
- Existing supply chain structures
- Import and export strategies
- Customs compliance processes
What happens next?
While the Interim Trade Agreement is now being applied, the broader EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) still requires completion of the remaining ratification procedures before it can fully enter into force.
For businesses, however, the key message is clear: the first benefits of the EU–Mercosur agreement are now available.
Would you like to know how your organisation can benefit from the agreement? Our customs and trade specialists are happy to help.
