Chambers Ireland and ICC Ireland have today written to all Irish Members of the European Parliament urging them to vote against a resolution that would delay ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
Speaking earlier today, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland and ICC Ireland, said:
“We are calling on all Irish MEPs to back the Mercosur agreement and keep the European economy moving forward. This agreement has been over 25 years in the making and we simply cannot afford another two years of delay.”
The letter warns that a cross-party resolution expected at the November plenary (24th –27th) seeks to refer the agreement to the Court of Justice, which would stall progress for years. Talbot added:
“Our strength lies in being a small, open economy and we must uphold those principles. We particularly cannot turn our back on an agreement that opens new markets at a time when our competitiveness is under strain.
The opportunities are significant and ratification will create one of the world’s largest free-trade areas at a time of global uncertainty. Let’s be clear - any delay will harm our economy and undermine our credibility as a champion of free trade.”
The revised Mercosur agreement includes strong safeguards for agriculture and will protect sensitive sectors such as beef, poultry, and dairy from sudden import surges and price shocks. It also opens new markets for Irish exporters by reducing tariffs on industries like machinery (14–20%) and pharmaceuticals (up to 14%). Across the EU agri-food exports to Mercosur are expected to increase by nearly 50%, creating a substantial new market.
“Irish businesses and producers need access to new markets to improve competitiveness and we are confident the EU can swiftly implement the agriculture safeguards if necessary,” Talbot concluded.
Read our letter here – LINK