Ms Lockhart warned that moving forward before a ruling from the EU’s Court of Justice raises serious questions about democratic accountability and respect for due process. “It is deeply troubling that the European Commission is prepared to implement such a far-reaching agreement while its legality is still under review,” she said. “The move risks undermining confidence in the institutions tasked with safeguarding transparency and the rule of law.”

The trade agreement, championed by EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic as a major opportunity for growth and global competitiveness, will eliminate tariffs on over 90% of trade between the EU and South American bloc countries. The European Commission argues that provisional application will allow businesses, consumers and farmers to benefit immediately from improved market access and more predictable trading conditions.

However, the DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, has echoed concerns raised across the agricultural sector, particularly regarding the potential impact on local farmers who fear being undercut by lower-cost imports from South America.

She said: “The deal will allow volumes of imported products such as beef, poultry and sugar, intensifying pressure on domestic producers already facing rising costs and uncertainty.”

The MP also pointed to strong opposition from farming organisations in the Republic of Ireland, whose leadership has described the EU’s move as “outrageous” and dismissive of both parliamentary oversight and widespread industry concerns.

Carla Lockhart MP added: “The deal is hugely concerning for Northern Ireland, especially  as the Windsor Framework includes significant elements of EU single market rules for goods, including agri-food standards.

“Farmers in Northern Ireland are under enough pressure with rising costs and volatile farmgate prices, they don’t need direct competition from Mercosur imports entering via the EU ‘back-door’. Lower-cost beef and poultry from countries like Brazil and Argentina could potentially put downward pressure on prices; while concerns about lower animal welfare and environmental standards could shatter consumer confidence.”

Ms Lockhart concluded: “This is not just about trade. It is about ensuring that decisions of this scale are made transparently, lawfully, and with full consideration of their consequences for farmers, food standards and rural communities in Northern Ireland.”



The MP is calling on the EU to pause the provisional implementation of the agreement until the legal process and democratic scrutiny has concluded.