EU-Mercosur deal to boost plastics trade, a set back for Global Plastics Treaty

Source: https://www.greenpeace.org/eu-unit/issues/pollution/46816/eu-mercosur-deal-to-boost-plastics-trade-a-set-back-for-global-plastics-treaty/

Author: Greenpeace European Unit

Brussels, 9 November 2023 – A Greenpeace analysis found that a trade agreement currently being negotiated between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) will eliminate tariffs for EU exports of throwaway plastic products.[1] Cutting these tariffs will promote the trade of plastic raw materials, plastic waste, and single-use plastic products, like plastic cutlery.

Greenpeace Germany trade campaigner Lis Cunha said: “This deal is an outrageous example of the EU’s double standards. Some of the products promoted by the free trade deal, like single-use plastic cutlery, are banned within Europe because of their impacts on the environment and human health. Yet the EU is now ready to encourage international trade of the same products with Mercosur partner countries, in total disregard of people’s health and nature beyond the EU’s borders.”