The Global Modernised Agreement signed between the European Union and Mexico marks the beginning of a new phase in trade relations between the two parties, with significant implications for the agri-food sector. However, its full entry into force will still depend on a complex ratification process, while the trade provisions could be applied earlier through an interim agreement.
In the fruit and vegetable sector, trade flows between Spain and Mexico remain uneven. According to data from the Customs and Excise Department, processed by FEPEX, Spanish exports of fruit and vegetables to Mexico reached 3,154 tonnes in 2025, of which 3,002 tonnes corresponded to plums. In value terms, Spanish sales to this market amounted to €5.7 million, with plums accounting for €5.1 million.
Imports showed a considerably higher volume. Spain imported 14,041 tonnes of fruit and vegetables from Mexico in 2025. Onions were the most imported product by volume, with 4,071 tonnes, followed by avocados, with 3,596 tonnes; asparagus, with 3,064 tonnes; and mangoes and guavas, with 3,003 tonnes.
The total value of Spanish fruit and vegetable imports from Mexico stood at €41.2 million. By product, onion imports amounted to €2.4 million, avocado imports to €8.7 million, asparagus to €14.5 million and mangoes to €13.8 million.
A two-track agreement
The agreement is structured around two separate legal instruments, which will determine its implementation timetable. On the one hand, the Global Modernised Agreement is a mixed agreement that includes political, cooperation and economic pillars. On the other, the Interim Trade Agreement is limited to trade provisions.
This dual structure entails different approval procedures. As a mixed agreement, the Global Modernised Agreement will have to be approved by the European Parliament and ratified by the national parliaments of the 27 Member States, a process that is expected to delay its full entry into force.
In parallel, the Interim Trade Agreement, which covers only areas of exclusive EU competence, could enter into force more quickly once it has been approved by the European Parliament and the Council.
On the Mexican side, the agreement must also be ratified by the Senate, thereby launching the country’s own internal legislative process.
As a result, the signing of the agreement marks only the start of its formal processing. Full ratification is still pending, although the early application of its trade provisions through the interim instrument is expected.
Near-total liberalisation of trade
From an economic perspective, the agreement provides for the near-total liberalisation of trade in goods, covering up to 99% of exchanges, with a particular impact on the agri-food sector.
Mexico will significantly reduce tariffs on European exports, eliminating around 95% of tariffs on agricultural products. For its part, the European Union will expand access to the EU market for Mexican exports, with more than 80% of agri-food products entering tariff-free, while the remaining products will be subject to progressive tariff reduction schedules.
The agreement therefore opens a new stage in trade relations between the European Union and Mexico. For Spain’s fruit and vegetable sector, it comes at a time when imports from Mexico already far exceed exports in volume, placing competitiveness, market access and trade balance at the centre of the debate.
