[Lifestyle] The mega trade deal that has French farmers in uproar

[Wolf.17]

 

As the ink was drying on one of the world's biggest trade deals, signed in Uruguay this month, and hailed as a milestone for the global economy, anger was brewing thousands of miles away in France.

Under the agreement between the EU on one hand, and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay on the other, tariffs will be greatly reduced and the amounts of imports and exports allowed will be increased.

The deal would affect almost 800 million people.

It comes as a marked contrast to Donald Trump's plans to greatly increase protectionism when he returns to the White House next month.

The deal still needs to be approved by the 27 EU member states, and France is planning to block it, due to fears that it will harm its farming sector.

Alix Heurtault, a 34-year-old French farmer, says she is worried about her future if the planned agreement goes ahead.

"I fear that the deal will mean making ends meet becoming even more difficult for farmers like me," she says.

As a result, she is crossing her fingers that the French government will be able to stop it.

 

The planned trade agreement will mean more South American beef, chicken and sugar coming to the EU, and at lower prices. While in the opposite direction, the likes of European cars, clothing and wine would have more access to the Mercosur zone.

For France to block the deal it will need to persuade at least three other EU countries, representing at least 35% of the total po[CENSORED]tion to join it. Ireland, Poland and Austria are also opposed, but Italy will likely need to also come on board to achieve the required po[CENSORED]tion quota.

And with the media giving very conflicting reports about Italy's position, we'll have to wait and see which way the Italians go when the vote is held some time in 2025.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c75w43xv3w0o