Mercosur trade deal may provide opportunity, Chambers Ireland CEO says

Chambers Ireland and ICC Ireland CEO Ian Talbot believes the much-contested EU-Mercosur trade agreement is a commercial opportunity to diversify beyond usual markets.

​Talbot said the opportunity should not be underestimated and should be welcomed at t a time when the cost of doing business in Ireland is increasing.

​According to Ian Talbot, the new agreement has the potential to broden the range of services and goods that can be made available to Irish consumers.

This will, in turn, support increased competition, which can contribute to competitive pricing and make a dent in the cost of living.

​Talbot said: “These are substantial, dynamic economies with increasing demand for high‑quality goods and services.

​“This favours our domestic businesses. For sectors such as agri‑food, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, engineering, ICT and professional services, reducing tariffs and regulatory barriers at this scale will make a real, practical difference on the ground.”

​“Getting the deal over the line is only the first step.

​“We now need a strong focus on engagement with businesses, especially SMEs, to fully realise what the agreement offers.

We expect the EU to monitor the impact and implement safeguards where appropriate to protect the limited number of sectors which perceive themselves to be vulnerable.

“With the right follow‑through, this agreement can translate into real commercial outcomes for companies in all sectors across the country.”