UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, issued the following statement on the successful conclusion of the Mercosur-EU trade negotiations:
“UNICA congratulates both Mercosur and the EU countries as they close this historic deal. We trust that both parties will benefit substantially from this trade agreement, opening up new trading possibilities for industries and consumers. A fair and balanced deal such as this can only strengthen our long-standing positive relationship and sends a clear signal of the benefits of free and fair trade.
Although we regret that the negotiations were not ambitious enough to comprehensively address sugar and ethanol, especially considering the European sugar demand and the remarkable potential for ethanol consumption in the framework of the bioeconomy, we recognize that the agreement struck today represents the best deal possible based on the limitations imposed by the EU.
We very much look forward to reinforced cooperation and investment ties between Mercosur and the EU following the agreement of this deal.”
For further information, please contact: Géraldine Kutas, Head of International Affairs at UNICA (geraldine@unica.com.br, tel: +32495120869)
ABOUT UNICA
UNICA is the leading trade association for the sugarcane industry in Brazil, representing 60 percent of the country’s sugarcane production and processing. UNICA’s priorities include serving as a source for credible information and analysis about the efficiency and sustainability of sugarcane products, particularly ethanol. The association works to encourage the continuous advancement of sustainable practices throughout the sugarcane industry and to promote sugarcane-based biofuels as a clean, reliable and renewable alternative to fossil fuels.
