Abrafrutas highlights Brazilian fruit growing in Europe

The Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters (Abrafrutas), represented by the institution's president, Guilherme Coelho, participated in the Meeting with Representatives of the Trade and Investment Promotion Sectors (Secoms), Science, Technology and Innovation (Sectecs) and Agricultural Attachés held in the city of Brussels. The event, which was organized by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together representatives of the government, the production sector and sectoral entities.

At the invitation of ApexBrasil, Guilherme Coelho joined the Brazilian delegation and represented the fruit sector at the meeting. The president of Abrafrutas participated as a panelist in the Business Panel: Agribusiness, which brought together important leaders of the national agribusiness to present perspectives and opportunities for expansion in the European market.

Guilherme Coelho highlighted the growing performance of Brazilian fruit production, the potential for expansion in the European market and the importance of sustainability as a competitive factor for the sector. He also highlighted the positive expectations regarding the finalization of the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union.

"Without a doubt, the agreement between the two blocs was the most debated topic here. The ratification of this agreement is essential for Brazilian fruit production, especially with the reduction of tariffs on exports of our fruit. One example is grapes. When Brazil exports to the European Union, it pays between 8% and 14% in taxes. Meanwhile, countries like Chile, Peru and South Africa pay nothing, which makes competition unfair. The free trade agreement provides for the immediate elimination of this tariff as soon as it comes into force", he explains.

In addition to grapes, other Brazilian fruits will also gradually benefit from the tariff reduction provided for in the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. Avocados, which currently face a 4% tariff, will have this tax eliminated over a period of four years, with progressive reductions in each cycle. Lemons and limes, subject to a 14% tariff, will achieve full exemption within seven years. The same will occur with melons and watermelons, whose 9% tariff will be eliminated over seven years, directly benefiting important Brazilian producing centers. Apples, which currently pay 10% tax to enter the European market, will have this tariff completely eliminated in a staggered process over ten years.

One of the main objectives of the mission, according to the president of ApexBrasil, Jorge Viana, is to engage directly with those responsible for the progress of the Mercosur-European Union Agreement on the European continent. “We were in Lisbon, Warsaw, Poland and now in Brussels, in a series of hearings with strategic interlocutors. We remain confident that the agreement will be approved by the European Council in September and then by Parliament,” he said.

Viana also highlighted that this is a crucial moment for the construction of free trade agreements, especially in a global scenario in which other countries are raising tariffs. “While some countries are closing their economies, Brazil is betting on opening markets and strengthening trade relations with strategic partners,” he added.

The activities carried out during the meeting also aimed to strengthen institutional ties, identify new commercial opportunities and consolidate Brazil's presence as a reliable supplier of agricultural products abroad.