The European Union and Mexico have reached a new agreement on trade that has been described as a "very positive" step for the EU's agri-food sector.
The EU-Mexico Global Agreement will make all trade in goods between the EU and Mexico duty-free, including in the agricultural sector.
The European Commission said the simpler customs procedures will further benefit the EU's agricultural industry.
The agreement will, in particular, provide preferential access for many cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort, which currently are up to 20% and gain significant new access for many others within annual quotas.
It will secure a considerable volume for milk powder exports in one of the largest markets, starting with 30,000 tonnes from entry into force, rising to 50,000 tonnes after 5 years.
The agreement will also allow the EU to substantially increase its pork exports to Mexico, with duty-free trade for virtually all pork products.
The EU's Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan said: "This agreement proves yet again the value of the EU leading from the front globally in promoting open and rules-based trade. Our commitment is to deliver benefits for our citizens at home through closer cooperation with our partners abroad.
"This deal is very positive for our agri-food sector, creating new export opportunities for our high-quality food and drink products, which in turn will create support more jobs and growth, particularly in rural areas."
The agreement, awaiting to be finalised and approved, comes as trade between the EU and Mexico having risen at a rate of around 8% per year, resulting in an overall increase of 148% in trade in goods over the period.
