Macron to Farmers: France Will "Firmly Reject" Mercosur Deal in Its Current State (Genevard)

• Why Is France Opposing the Mercosur Agreement?
• Farmers’ Backlash and Political Calculations
• What’s Next for the EU-Mercosur Negotiations?
• The Environmental Elephant in the Room
• Historical Context: Why This Deal Matters
• FAQ: Your Mercosur Deal Questions Answered

French President Emmanuel Macron has doubled down on his opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, warning that France will deliver a "very firm no" unless major revisions are made. The statement, echoed by MP Annie Genevard, comes amid rising tensions with French agricultural groups who fear unfair competition from South American imports. Macron’s stance signals a potential roadblock for the long-stalled deal, which has faced criticism over environmental and economic concerns.

Why Is France Opposing the Mercosur Agreement?

In a visit to Toulouse on November 12, 2025, Macron reiterated France’s red lines: the deal must not undercut EU farmers with cheaper imports lacking equivalent production standards. "We won’t accept chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef flooding our markets," he told reporters, referencing two contentious Mercosur exports. The agreement—negotiated since 1999—aims to create the world’s largest free-trade zone but has been delayed by disputes over sustainability quotas and tariff exemptions.

Farmers’ Backlash and Political Calculations

Macron’s hardline position isn’t just about trade—it’s a survival move. French farmers, a key voting bloc, have staged tractor blockades nationwide since 2024 over falling incomes and deregulation fears. "This deal WOULD be the final nail for small farms," grumbled Jean Dupont, a dairy farmer from Normandy, when I spoke to him last week. With regional elections looming, Macron can’t afford to alienate rural voters further.

What’s Next for the EU-Mercosur Negotiations?

Brussels faces a dilemma: appease France or push forward with a deal that could boost EU exports by €4 billion annually. Analysts suggest compromise clauses on deforestation monitoring and tariff phase-ins might break the deadlock. But as Genevard bluntly put it: "No cosmetic changes—we need structural guarantees." Meanwhile, Mercosur nations (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) threaten to walk away if Europe "keeps moving goalposts."

The Environmental Elephant in the Room

Beyond economics, the deal’s climate impact remains unresolved. Amazon deforestation linked to Mercosur agriculture spiked 22% in 2024, per Global Forest Watch. "How can we preach carbon neutrality while incentivizing forest destruction?" asked Green MEP Marie Toussaint during a fiery Strasbourg debate last month. The EU’s carbon border tax proposal might offer a middle ground, but details remain hazy.

Historical Context: Why This Deal Matters

This isn’t just another trade agreement. Mercosur represents 260 million consumers and 72% of South America’s GDP. For Europe, it’s a geopolitical chess MOVE against Chinese influence in Latin America. Yet past deals like CETA (Canada-EU) show ratification hurdles—it took 5 years after signing. As BTCC market analyst Paul Lefèvre notes: "Trade wars are the new cold wars, and currencies are the battleground."

FAQ: Your Mercosur Deal Questions Answered

What’s in the current Mercosur agreement draft?

The latest version proposes eliminating 91% of EU tariffs on Mercosur goods (especially beef, ethanol, and soy) while Mercosur would drop 92% of its tariffs on EU products like cars and cheese.

How does this affect food prices in Europe?

Economists predict short-term price drops for meat (up to 8%), but long-term impacts depend on whether cheaper imports force EU farmers to scale down production.

Could France veto the deal alone?

Not unilaterally—but with Germany also skeptical, the "Franco-German engine" could derail ratification even if the EU Commission approves terms.