Paraguay seeks equitable trade quotas in Mercosur-EU deal

Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano has reaffirmed the country's demand for an equitable distribution of trade quotas within the ongoing Mercosur-European Union agreement negotiations. Paraguay is advocating for a 25% share for each of the four Mercosur member states, arguing that this represents a fair participation as a founding partner rather than a request for special treatment.

A central point of contention is the beef sector. The proposed agreement includes an additional annual quota of 99,000 tons for Mercosur at a preferential tariff of 7.5%. This volume is intended to be split between fresh/refrigerated meat (55%) and frozen meat (45%).

Ramírez Lezcano noted that while negotiations between technical teams and the private sector remain complex, the alliance offers opportunities for regional integration and food security. He also expressed that Paraguay is closely monitoring environmental and agricultural protection measures currently being discussed in the European Parliament.