# EU Mercosur Brings Momentum to Atlantic Trade **Category:** Customs | **Source:** Frachtportal Redaktion | **Published:** 2026-05-03 | **Updated:** 2026-06-23 **Tags:** EU Mercosur, Freihandelsabkommen, Zollabbau, Seefracht, Export, Import, Atlantikhandel, Logistik News, Transport News, Fracht News, Speditions News, Supply Chain News, Zoll News, Frachtportal News, Luftfracht, Digitalisierung, Zoll > The EU-Mercosur agreement has been provisionally in effect since May 2026. Tariffs are significantly reduced. New opportunities and increased volumes in Atlantic trade for freight forwarders and shippers. --- **New Boost for Trade between Europe and South America** Since May 1, 2026, the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay has been provisionally in force. This marks the start of one of the largest trade projects in the world entering a crucial phase. For the logistics sector, this means primarily one thing: increased activity on transport routes across the Atlantic. The provisional application is already creating tangible effects in the flow of goods. Freight forwarders report rising booking numbers in maritime transport. There is a particularly high demand for container capacities for machinery, vehicles, and chemical products. The major seaports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven are experiencing initial growth in export volumes towards South America. A key driver is the gradual reduction of tariffs. Up to 90 percent of duties are expected to be eliminated in the long term. This is especially relevant for the automotive industry. Vehicles from Europe were previously subject to a tariff rate of around 35 percent. This will now be gradually reduced to zero. As a result, the competitiveness of European manufacturers will significantly improve. New opportunities are also emerging for air freight. High-value goods such as pharmaceuticals or spare parts benefit from accelerated customs procedures and clearly defined rules of origin. Airports like Frankfurt or São Paulo are increasingly being used as hubs. Despite this momentum, some uncertainty remains. The European Court of Justice is currently reviewing the legal basis of the agreement. This review primarily concerns issues related to the distribution of competencies within the EU. However, for practical purposes, this does not result in any immediate restrictions. The provisional application remains in place, and trade continues. For logistics service providers, flexibility is now essential. New trade flows require adapted networks, optimized transit times, and close coordination with customs authorities. Terms such as proof of preference, rules of origin, and tariff classification numbers are gaining further significance in daily operations. --- For Shippers: Lower costs due to tariff reductions improve margins and open up new sales markets.For Freight Forwarders: Increased shipments and more complex customs processes raise the demand for expertise.For Individuals: Imported products from South America could become cheaper, such as food or raw materials.Key Question: Are companies ready for the new origin rules and proper documentation?Interesting Fact: South America is gaining significance as a sourcing market, especially for agricultural products and raw materials. --- Customs Reduction: Up to 90 percent of tariffs between the EU and Mercosur will be eliminated in the long term.Automotive Sector: The tariff rate will gradually decrease from around 35 percent to zero.Trade Volume: EU exports to the Mercosur region were recently over 45 billion euros per year.Transport Volume: Initial shipping companies are reporting increased bookings in transatlantic traffic.Legal Situation: The CJEU review is ongoing, and the provisional application remains active.Logistics Terms: Proof of preference, rules of origin, and tariff classification number are central to the processing. --- *Canonical URL: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/eu-mercosur-bringt-bewegung-in-den-atlantikhandel-20260503113110](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/news/eu-mercosur-bringt-bewegung-in-den-atlantikhandel-20260503113110)* *Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/eu-mercosur-bringt-bewegung-in-den-atlantikhandel-20260503113110](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/news/en/eu-mercosur-bringt-bewegung-in-den-atlantikhandel-20260503113110)*