On July 8, 2026, the Ministry of Economy informed that the European Parliament approved the Modernized Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union, which represents a relevant step to update and strengthen the trade and economic relationship between both parties.
With this approval, the European Union concludes the substantive part of its ratification process for the commercial component of the Agreement. However, for its entry into force, it is still pending for the Senate of the Republic to complete the corresponding process.
Among the most relevant aspects, the following stand out:
1. Update of the trade framework between Mexico and the European Union
The Modernized Global Agreement will replace the framework in force since 2000, with the purpose of updating the trade, economic and cooperation relationship between Mexico and the European Union.
This instrument will allow the modernization of access conditions to the European market, as well as strengthen certainty for Mexican companies that currently export or seek to expand their operations into such market.
Operational Impact:
Companies with export operations to the European Union should monitor the entry into force of the Agreement, in order to identify possible tariff benefits, commercial opportunities and adjustments to their origin compliance processes.
2. Preferential access to the European market
According to the Ministry of Economy, the Agreement will allow practically all Mexican exports to enter the European market under free trade, that is, with preferential treatment.
The foregoing could benefit various sectors, including:
- Agri-food.
- Beverages with designation of origin.
- Advanced manufacturing.
- Automotive industry.
- Auto parts.
- Medical devices.
- Chemical industry.
- Pharmaceutical industry.
Operational Impact:
Exporting companies should review their tariff classifications, applicable rules of origin, production processes and supporting documentation, in order to confirm whether their goods may access preferential tariff treatment once the Agreement enters into force.
3. Strengthening of the trade diversification strategy
The approval of the Agreement strengthens Mexico’s trade diversification strategy, by expanding preferential access for national products to one of the most important markets in the world.
Likewise, it consolidates Mexico as one of the few economies with simultaneous preferential access to North America, through the USMCA, and to the European Union, a market made up of more than 450 million consumers.
Operational Impact:
Mexican companies may evaluate new export opportunities, client diversification and expansion into European markets, especially in sectors with high growth potential and international demand.
4. Relevance of Mexico-European Union bilateral trade
In 2025, bilateral trade between Mexico and the European Union reached USD 88.306 billion, with the European bloc remaining Mexico’s third-largest trading partner and its second export market.
Likewise, Mexican exports to the European Union totaled USD 23.817 billion, equivalent to 3.6% of Mexico’s total exports.
In terms of investment, the European Union ranked as the second-largest investor in the country, with USD 9.887 billion in foreign direct investment received by Mexico in 2025, equivalent to 24.2% of the national total.
Operational Impact:
The economic relevance of the Mexico-European Union relationship reinforces the need for companies to maintain a foreign trade strategy aligned with the new trade framework, particularly regarding origin, tariff classification, documentary compliance and the use of tariff preferences.
5. Entry into force pending
Although the European Parliament approved the Modernized Global Agreement, its entry into force is still subject to the Senate of the Republic completing the corresponding process.
Therefore, companies should remain attentive to the conclusion of the internal process in Mexico and to the publication of the applicable provisions for its implementation.
Operational Impact:
Until the Agreement formally enters into force, companies must continue applying the current trade framework. However, it is advisable to begin a preventive review to identify opportunities and prepare the necessary files to prove origin and access preferential benefits once the Agreement becomes applicable.
Recommendation
We suggest that companies with current or potential operations with the European Union carry out a preventive review of their foreign trade operations, with the objective of identifying benefits, obligations and areas of opportunity derived from the Modernized Global Agreement.
In particular, we recommend:
- Identifying the products that are currently exported or could be exported to the European Union.
- Reviewing the tariff classification of the goods.
- Analyzing the applicable rules of origin to determine whether the products could qualify as originating.
- Reviewing production processes, integration of materials and supporting documentation.
- Preparing or updating origin files.
- Evaluating possible trade diversification opportunities into the European market.
- Following up on the approval process pending before the Senate of the Republic and the provisions issued for the implementation of the Agreement.
Based on the foregoing, it is advisable for companies to anticipate the analysis of their operations and properly document compliance with origin and other applicable requirements, in order to be prepared to take advantage of the benefits of the Modernized Global Agreement once it enters into force.
J.A. DEL RÍO offers a wide array of specialized consulting services to assist you with these and other matters, in order to ensure that your project complies with the applicable characteristics contained in this agreement.
If you have any questions, J.A. DEL RÍO can provide you with our experts to advise in matters concerning compliance with your legal and tax obligations. Once again, please let us know if we may be of any further assistance to you at: contacto@jadelrio.com.
