In a statement, the CVRA welcomed the approval of this trade agreement, which it said was “an important strategic step in strengthening trade relations between the two blocs and a concrete opportunity for the international affirmation of Alentejo wines”.

“The gradual elimination of customs tariffs on European wine represents a significant advance for Portuguese producers in a large economic area with hundreds of millions of consumers, where Alentejo wine has been consolidating its reputation and presence,” it stated.

For CVRA, Brazil deserves special mention as the “main market in Mercosur” and “a priority destination, where current tariff barriers have conditioned the growth of national exports”.

“The Brazilian market is the most important destination for Alentejo wine exports, accounting for around four million litres in 2025,” said CVRA president Luís Sequeira, quoted in a press release.

“Despite the very high tariff burden, Alentejo wines benefit from strong brand recognition, so we believe that this agreement will enable very significant growth in exports,” he added.

The agreement between the EU and Mercosur “creates more balanced conditions for competition, improving the competitiveness of Portuguese wines, stimulating export growth and strengthening the Alentejo’s presence in a number of markets with high growth potential,” argued the wine commission.

“In a global context marked by geopolitical uncertainty and growing protectionism, the approval of this agreement is a clear sign of openness, cooperation and strategic vision,” according to Luís Sequeira.

He added that, for Alentejo Wines, “it represents a significant opportunity to deepen their presence in key markets, create value and strengthen the internationalisation of the region.”

Internationalisation is precisely one of the central pillars of the Alentejo Wines Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which sets as its objective the sustained growth of exports, based on promoting the region’s origins, differentiating its offering and establishing the Alentejo as one of the world’s great wine regions, the CVRA noted.

The Council of the European Union announced on 9 January the approval of the trade agreement with four Mercosur countries.

This agreement, which will be signed on Saturday in Paraguay, will allow Europeans to export more vehicles, machinery, wines, and spirits to South America, while, in the opposite direction, it will facilitate the entry of meat, sugar, rice, honey, and soybeans into Europe.