Poland’s dairy industry disappointed over EU-Mercosur agreement
Poland’s dairy industry is facing mounting difficulties accessing the Brazilian market as Brazil seeks to limit access for European products.
Despite earlier optimism surrounding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, Poland’s dairy industry is facing increasing challenges in accessing the Brazilian market, according to Agnieszka Maliszewska, president of the Polish Milk Chamber, speaking in an interview with Polish Radio.
Brazil has been delaying the issuance of veterinary certificates required for Polish dairy exports, creating what Maliszewska described as a significant non-tariff barrier for exporters.
“Of course, we can also ship without approved veterinary certificates, but it’s much more difficult, complicated, and less profitable. It’s administratively lengthy, and perhaps it’s a deliberate attempt to limit market access, one of the so-called non-tariff barriers,” Maliszewska said.
No real effect yet
The EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement provisionally entered into force on 1 May 2026. Poland’s dairy sector had largely viewed the deal as an opportunity to expand exports to Latin America, particularly amid growing competition in traditional markets.
According to Maliszewska, Brazilian authorities have yet to complete certification procedures following inspections conducted several years ago, effectively slowing access for Polish dairy exporters.
“We will talk about it, we will insist. I also hope that the Brazilian embassy in Poland will hear this and take action,” she added.
Industry pushes for faster market access
The Polish dairy industry has been actively seeking new export destinations as domestic milk production continues to expand while domestic market offers little opportunities to grow. The sector currently generates an export surplus estimated at around 25%, making overseas sales increasingly important for producers.
“If we don’t act quickly, we’ll simply miss this moment. We need to make the most of these opportunities to strengthen our sector and increase exports. This is because this world is becoming increasingly difficult when it comes to exports. So, any opportunity to export to any country and sell dairy products outside the European Union will only strengthen us at this point,” Maliszewska said.
The industry sees particular export potential in long-ripened cheeses, which Polish producers have increasingly promoted in international markets.
Meanwhile, Maliszewska called on the Polish government to appoint a special representative for Mercosur in Brazil to help lobby for Polish trade interests locally and accelerate market access negotiations.
