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First EU Honey Quota Under Mercosur Deal Is Gone in Days, Exposing Bloc Tensions

Officials say the initial pool was a prorated 5,000 tonnes, with new tranches opening July 1 then October 1.

Overview

  • The first tariff‑free honey window of 1,402 tonnes for May–June was snapped up within days under a first‑come, first‑served system.
  • Argentina’s Agriculture Secretariat clarified that “year 0” totals 5,000 tonnes, split into three tranches that complete this year’s allocation.
  • Exporters and officials from Uruguay and Paraguay objected to the allocation method, and Paraguay requested a reserved share of at least 1,875 tonnes.
  • Argentina’s beekeepers’ group SADA said pre‑existing contracts, seasonal shipping peaks, and Argentina’s larger export setup explain why Argentine and Brazilian containers cleared first.
  • Beyond honey, dozens of shipments from Mendoza already received lower EU tariffs on wine, olive oil, and other goods, while Argentina’s Rosario exchange projects about $10.53 billion in extra exports over the next decade under broad tariff cuts and rising quotas.