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Meeting in Belo Horizonte Presented the Vision of the Mining Industry on the Impact of the Trade Agreement, Highlighting Investments, Sustainability, and the Strategic Role of Minas Gerais in the Relations Between Mercosur and the European Union.
The Federation of Industries of the State of Minas Gerais considers the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur an “extraordinary” opportunity for the industry, especially in an international environment described as “turbulent”.
The assessment was presented during a meeting with 20 European ambassadors at the entity’s headquarters in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday (25), when tariff advantages and new investment fronts for Minas were discussed.
Meeting with European Ambassadors in Minas Gerais
The meeting, which included the presence of the head of the European Union mission in Brazil, Marian Schuegraf, had an economic and institutional character.
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In addition to bringing the parties closer, Fiemg presented projects related to sustainable mining and clean energy, areas identified as competitive differentials of the state to attract capital and technology.
According to Fiemg’s president, Flávio Roscoe, the mining industry tends to benefit from the agreement because the export agenda to Europe already concentrates items with higher added value.
“The economies are complementary,” he stated.
He then emphasized that “the trend is for more investments on both sides,” referring to the conditions for reciprocal market access and government procurement outlined in the treaty.
Details of the EU–Mercosur Agreement
The text negotiated between the EU and Mercosur provides for the reduction and elimination of tariffs on more than 90% of trade between the blocs, with phased cuts over several years and safeguards for sensitive sectors.
In her diplomatic speech, Schuegraf highlighted the scope of the initiative.
In her view, the pact should “create the largest free trade area in the world, with more than 750 million consumers”, which she considers “impressive”.
Even though the formulation “eliminates tariffs on 91% of products” summarizes the ambition of the agreement, its implementation depends on legislative ratification in the countries involved.
In parallel, chapters on sustainability and traceability requirements remain at the center of the debate, especially for the trade of food and other agribusiness goods.
Expected Gains for the Mining Industry
Fiemg assesses that, due to its significant participation in industrial goods heading towards the European market, Minas Gerais can capture immediate gains from the tariff reduction and the simplification of non-tariff barriers.
Metalworking inputs, industrial components, and equipment are among the items likely to increase their market share, according to the entity.
The belief is that better access to the EU will free up space for local production chains to increase scale and productivity.
In terms of food, the processing industry sees additional opportunities for coffee derivatives, dairy products, and food preparations with higher technological content.
The title attributes to the agreement the transformation of Brazil into a strategic food supplier.
In practice, this effect depends on quotas, de-escalation deadlines, and compliance with sanitary and environmental standards required by the European Union.
Role of Minas Gerais in Exports
Ambassador Marian Schuegraf emphasized the relevance of Minas in the relationship with Europe.
According to her, the European Union accounts for about 40% of foreign investment in Brazil and 32% of the investment stock in Minas Gerais.
The reading is that the existing base can accelerate projects in sectors such as energy, low-impact mining, and green supply chains if the agreement progresses.
Recent foreign trade data reinforces the state’s importance in exports, with Europe among the main destinations.
In 2024 and 2025, the Minas Gerais government and business entities reported consistent surpluses in relations with the European bloc, which supports the strategy of diversifying markets and reducing logistical and tariff costs.
Economic Diplomacy in Practice
The agenda of the European ambassadors in Minas included meetings with state authorities and business leaders, as well as technical visits.
Fiemg presented an overview of local supply chains and highlighted social and environmental compliance projects, considered crucial for access to premium market niches in Europe.
Meanwhile, the state government emphasized infrastructure and workforce qualification as trump cards for competitiveness.
The meeting also addressed the external context.
In a scenario of reconfiguration of global flows, with trade disputes and stricter environmental requirements, the EU–Mercosur agreement is seen by businesspeople as a tool for regulatory predictability and cost reduction.
On the other hand, interlocutors recognized that the pace of gains will depend on the speed of ratifications and the capacity of the private sector to adapt processes to the rules of origin, traceability, and European public procurement.
Expectations for the Coming Months
In the short term, the mining industry aims to consolidate projects that are already on the shelf, including expansions of industrial plants geared towards export and energy transition initiatives.
In the medium term, the expectation is that the regulatory agenda of the agreement will reduce technical barriers and enhance recognition of certifications, shortening the time for products to enter the European market.
Roscoe insisted on the complementarity between the blocs and the strategic nature of the understanding to attract new investments.
Schuegraf, in turn, reinforced the potential for scale and diversification that the partnership adds to the local productive fabric.
In general terms, the signal is one of appetite from both sides to turn the rapprochement into business, as long as the legal conditions advance.
Monitoring and Next Steps
The processing of the agreement in European and South American instances will be the barometer for the coming months.
Meanwhile, companies from Minas and Fiemg itself are intensifying prospecting rounds and engagement with buyers and investors.
If the tariff de-escalation and sustainability rules proceed as planned, industrial sectors and processed foods are likely to be the first to test the new environment.
The assessment that the agreement is “extraordinary” reflects the combination of market scale, tariff advantages, and open doors for investments.
The lingering question is simple and practical: which companies will be able to adapt more quickly to European requirements to turn this window into firm and recurring contracts?
Obrigado presidente LULA 🇧🇷, o verdadeiro presidente PATRIOTA que luta por NOSSO povo e não bate continência pra bandeira de outro país e também NUNCA foi lesa pátria ou um “Pária” internacional igual o BiroLiro Bozó…
Ótima notícia, esse acordo conduzirá a novos negócios, e, diminui a dependência de comércio com os EUA, o que é bom para todos.
É do governo do estado de Minas Gerais, vamos enterpretar melhor o texto, se aprende na 4ª série.
Governo de estado, abriu comércio Mercosul x União Europeia? Tá