EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Deal Activates, Affects Italian Exporters

On 1 May 2026 the provisional EU‑Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement entered into force, covering the South American bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) and the European Union. The deal provides preferential tariff treatment but remains subject to full ratification by the European Parliament after a European Court of Justice review.

The agreement includes detailed rules of origin for goods, requiring exporters to issue a REX‑based origin statement on invoices or transport documents, except for shipments under €6,000. For a limited three‑year period, a certificate of origin may also be used, a practice currently adopted only by Paraguay. Safeguard measures allow the EU to temporarily suspend agricultural preferences if sectoral concerns arise.

To help Italian businesses navigate the new regime, ICE Agenzia and Confindustria are hosting a free online webinar on 30 June 2026. Experts will explain customs procedures, tariff reductions, and market opportunities for manufacturers, logistics firms and others aiming to expand into Mercosur markets.