Tractors in Paris to protest EU's Mercosur trade deal

"Hundreds of tractors rolled into Paris early on Tuesday morning as French farmers protest against the trade deal the European Union has struck with four South American countries. The long-delayed trade pact with the Mercosur bloc was approved by the EU last week and is due to be signed on Saturday. Farmers in France and several other countries fear being undercut by an influx of cheap beef and other products from South America."

"By 7am around 150 had already entered the French capital escorted by law enforcement, according to police. The tractors are expected to crawl along the capital's major thoroughfares, including the Champs-Elysees - there are multiple road closures in the capital, with the police advising motorists to avoid several central sectors. Meanwhile protests continue in several other parts of France, including the A1 in northern France and the port of Le Havre, where farmers are 'inspecting' imports and lorry cargo."

"Most of the European Union's 27 nations back the Mercosur trade deal, which supporters argue is crucial to boost exports, help the continent's ailing economy and foster diplomatic ties at a time of global uncertainty. But the agreement is widely opposed by farmers and others who fear it will result in an influx of an extra 99,000 tonnes of cheap beef from agriculture giant Brazil and its neighbours, disrupting European agriculture."

French farmers mobilized hundreds of tractors into Paris early Tuesday to protest the EU trade pact with four South American countries. The long-delayed Mercosur agreement was approved by the EU last week and is due to be signed on Saturday. Farmers fear being undercut by an influx of cheap beef and other products from South America, with protesters expecting around 300 tractors in Paris and about 150 already escorted in by 7am. Tractors will crawl major thoroughfares including the Champs-Elysees, prompting multiple road closures. Protests and blockades also surfaced on motorways and at the port of Le Havre. The deal would create a large free-trade area and increase EU imports of agricultural commodities.

Read at www.thelocal.fr