The European Union and Mexico have signed a modernised global agreement updating their original 2000 treaty. The deal is intended to strengthen economic ties between the two sides.
Mexico is the Czech Republic’s largest partner in Latin America and its second-largest partner on the American continent after the United States, the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade said. Mexico accounts for 54% of Czech foreign trade with the region, worth 65.3 billion koruna, and 55% of exports, valued at 32 billion koruna.
The updated agreement further removes tariffs on agricultural goods, creating opportunities for exports such as processed farm products, confectionery and dairy. It also seeks to improve phytosanitary procedures, including certification, and protects 568 European geographical indications.
The deal provides for simpler customs procedures, recognition of international standards and fewer duplicate product tests. Mexico has included public procurement by individual federal states as well as federal-level entities. The EU is the first partner to secure access to this part of Mexico’s procurement market.
In energy, Mexico will treat EU investors on the same terms as investors from other preferential partners. European firms will also have broader access to critical raw materials and their processing. The agreement strengthens protection for European investment and intellectual property and expands access to Mexico’s services market.
The global agreement took effect in 2000, and negotiations on its modernisation began in 2016. The parties announced a final agreement on the text in January 2025.
