Romania has voted in favor of the European Union’s trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, after securing additional safeguards aimed at protecting domestic and European producers, particularly in the agricultural sector, President Nicușor Dan said on Friday.
The agreement, which would create one of the world’s largest free trade areas, is expected to strengthen the EU’s commercial presence in South America while opening new export opportunities for Romanian companies by reducing or eliminating high customs duties.
“Through this agreement, European countries increase their presence in a strategically important trade region, and Romania will gain access to new markets for exports previously subject to high tariffs,” Dan said in a post on social media platform X.
Focus on trade gains and agricultural protection
The Romanian president said he had been actively involved in negotiations with other European leaders in recent weeks to ensure that the agreement delivers economic benefits while safeguarding sensitive sectors.
“Our objective was to secure commercial advantages for Romania and the EU in key economic sectors, while firmly supporting Romanian farmers and agri-food trade,” Dan said.
As part of the revised terms, the agreement provides for the elimination of customs duties on 91% of EU exports to Mercosur countries. Romania is expected to benefit particularly in sectors such as transport equipment, especially automotive components, as well as mechanical and electrical machinery, metal products and textiles.
At the same time, the deal includes concessions aimed at limiting the impact on sensitive agricultural markets. Imports of beef at reduced tariffs will be capped at 1.5% of the EU’s annual production, while poultry imports will be limited to 1.3%. Any volumes exceeding those thresholds will continue to be subject to existing customs duties.
Safeguard clauses and EU standards
A bilateral safeguard clause has also been introduced, allowing authorities to temporarily restrict imports if a sudden surge threatens domestic producers. Dan described the mechanism as a “handbrake” that can be activated when market disruptions occur.
“In other words, we engage in trade, but we also protect ourselves when necessary,” the president said, adding that all imported agri-food products must comply with EU production standards, including strict rules on pesticides and other substances.
Under the agreement, 15 Romanian agricultural products with EU geographical indication status will be protected on Mercosur markets, offering additional safeguards for local producers and brand recognition abroad.
Strategic raw materials and services exports
Beyond goods trade, the agreement is expected to support the expansion of Romanian services exports to Mercosur countries and improve access to critical raw materials. Dan said this aspect carries strategic importance, as it would help reduce reliance on alternative suppliers that could use such dependencies as political leverage.
In parallel with the trade deal, the European Commission has committed to advancing up to €45 billion in additional funding under the Common Agricultural Policy, drawn from the bloc’s flexibility margin. The move follows calls from Romania and other member states for stronger EU-level support for farmers affected by trade liberalization.
“By lowering customs duties, Romania will gain new export markets while ensuring that its agriculture remains protected,” Dan said. “This EU-negotiated agreement represents a clear opportunity for Romania.”
