The European pulp and paper industry has welcomed the signing of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, urging the European Parliament to proceed rapidly with ratification.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) says the deal would help restore balance in long-standing trade relations with South American partners while reinforcing shared sustainability commitments.
Under the proposed agreement, tariffs would be removed on more than 90% of goods traded between the EU and Mercosur countries. For the sector, this includes the elimination of duties on around 85% of pulp exports and 90% of EU paper and board exports to South America. Cepi argues that this would open markets that have remained relatively restricted to European producers for years.
The industry points to a persistent imbalance in current trade conditions. Since 2004, the EU has applied zero import tariffs on pulp, paper and board products, including those from Mercosur countries. European exports in the opposite direction, however, have continued to face high tariff barriers. According to Cepi, the agreement is therefore unlikely to lead to a surge in imports into the EU, while offering meaningful new opportunities for European exporters.
Cepi also highlights the strategic importance of EU-Mercosur ties at a time of growing uncertainty in global trade. While Europe is a net exporter of high-quality paper and board products, it remains a major importer of market pulp from Mercosur countries—particularly Brazil—making the relationship structurally interdependent.
A key element of the agreement is its strengthened Trade and Sustainable Development chapter, which includes a legally binding annex on deforestation. The annex introduces explicit commitments to halt deforestation and enhances cooperation on sustainable supply chains, with compliance subject to dispute settlement. Cepi says strict enforcement will be essential to ensure environmental and labour standards are upheld.
Jori Ringman, Director General of Cepi, said the industry supports open markets based on fair competition and shared rules. “We do not compromise on our sustainability principles and prefer to trade with partners who apply the same climate, environmental and social standards,” he said.
Cepi is now calling on the European Parliament to ratify the agreement without delay, allowing the EU’s largest trade deal to date to enter into force and reshape trade conditions for the pulp and paper sector.
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) represents the European pulp and paper sector at EU level. Its members include national associations from across Europe, covering companies that produce pulp, paper and board. The industry is a key contributor to Europe’s bioeconomy, combining renewable raw materials, circular production models and advanced manufacturing to supply global markets.
Source: Cepi
