Mexico City – Mexico and the European Union are preparing to enter a new phase in their economic relationship after all 27 EU member states approved the signing of a modernized trade agreement set to be formalized at a May 22 summit in Mexico City.
The trade agreement updates a trade framework that has been in place since 2000 and reflects the growing importance of the partnership between Mexico and Europe. Officials and business leaders expect the new accord to increase bilateral commerce by 35 percent over the next five years while opening additional opportunities for investment, technology, manufacturing, and agricultural exports.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will join European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the summit, the first high-level meeting between the two sides in more than a decade.
Trade between Mexico and the EU has expanded dramatically over the last 25 years, surpassing €82 billion in goods during 2024 alone. In 2025, Mexican exports to Europe rose 4.8% to US$27.658 billion, reinforcing the EU’s position as Mexico’s second-largest export market.
Business leaders say the updated agreement will help Mexico strengthen supply chains and diversify international commerce at a time of global economic uncertainty. COMCE President Sergio Contreras noted that the combined market represented by Mexico and the EU includes more than 582 million consumers and a GDP exceeding US$25 trillion.
The agreement removes most remaining tariffs and expands market access for products ranging from tequila, mezcal, avocado, berries, and meat to machinery, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, and advanced manufacturing goods. European companies will also gain broader access to Mexican public contracts and service sectors including finance, telecommunications, and digital trade.
A major structural change will allow the commercial portion of the agreement to take effect more quickly after approval by the European Parliament, avoiding the slower ratification process used in previous treaties.
The accord also introduces updated rules covering labor rights, environmental protections, anti-corruption measures, and investment dispute resolution. In addition, Mexico will recognize 568 protected European regional products, including Champagne, Parma ham, Rioja wine, and Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
Industry groups expect the first benefits to appear between late 2026 and 2027, beginning with agri-food exports and later expanding into automotive manufacturing, chemicals, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Calling the agreement a major step forward, Cyprus Trade Minister Michael Damianos said the decision strengthens cooperation with a trusted partner while helping diversify the EU’s global trade network.
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