French farmers protest in Paris against EU-South America trade deal, fearing cheaper imports hurt their livelihoods.

On January 13, 2026, French farmers marched with about 350 tractors through Paris, converging on Parliament to protest low incomes and oppose an EU trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur bloc. The demonstration, which disrupted major city thoroughfares including the Champs-Élysées and Seine crossings, highlighted concerns over rising farm costs, environmental regulations, and pressure from retailers. Farmers fear the deal will flood European markets with cheaper imports, threatening their livelihoods. While President Emmanuel Macron and the French government oppose the agreement, it is set to be signed in Paraguay after a qualified majority of EU nations approved it. The deal now moves to the European Parliament for a lengthy, closely contested approval process.