The Mercosur-European Union agreement could generate gains of US$70 billion from the export of products generated by cooperatives, with 98% of this value concentrated in the agricultural sector, according to the Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB). The biggest opportunities are concentrated in shipments of meat (US$12 billion, mainly for chicken), sugar (US$9 billion) and corn (US$4 billion).
Cooperatives producing coffee, animal feed, juices, fruits, spices, honey and cotton will also benefit. However, according to the OCB, the agreement brings points of attention for cooperatives focused on wine, dairy products, wheat and malt.
Import
In terms of imports, the potential sales of products from European Union cooperatives to Brazil also approaches US$1.4 billion, with US$70 billion in agribusiness. The inclusion of products such as European fertilizers or machinery in the free trade agreement, and the possible authorization for European service providers to participate in the Brazilian economy, could reduce production costs in the countryside and in Brazilian cities. Cooperatives in the transportation, consumer, infrastructure and health sectors, for example, could see their input purchasing costs reduced by the treaty.
