? As Director of MEXA, you represent Mauritian exporters across several major sectors. The European Union (EU) remains the main destination for Mauritian exports. Could you tell us more about EU–Mauritius trade relations?

The EU remains a strategic and resilient market for Mauritian exports, having historically represented the largest export destination for Mauritius over the past five decades. The EU has consistently accounted for the lion’s share of our exports, representing around 47% of total exports. Mauritius’ exports to the EU stood at approximately Rs 23.8 billion in 2025, compared to around Rs 20.9 billion in 2021, underscoring the continued importance of the European market for the Mauritian export sector despite a challenging global environment characterised by geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions.

While the composition of exports has evolved to some extent, the export structure remains relatively concentrated around a few traditional sectors. In 2025, the main products exported to the EU were led by fish and seafood products, which accounted for around Rs 8.5 billion, representing approximately 35.8% of Mauritius’ exports to the EU market. These were followed by sugar and sugar preparations at around Rs 3.4 billion, apparel and clothing accessories at approximately Rs 2.6 billion, and increasingly, medical devices, which reached around Rs 1.2 billion.

The EU market continues to provide Mauritius with significant opportunities due to its relatively stable demand, preferential market access, and higher value-added consumer segments. Going forward, the key challenge for Mauritius will be to strengthen competitiveness while accelerating diversification towards more sophisticated and valueadded exports, particularly in areas such as medical devices, premium seafood processing, specialised agro-industrial products, and more technical textile segments.

? EU–Mauritius trade relations have evolved significantly over the years, notably following the end of the Multi Fibre Agreement and the Sugar Protocol, as well as the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) since 2012. With negotiations on the deepening of the EPA now in their final stages, how do you assess the evolution of these relations?

Historically, Mauritius’ export sector was built on the foundation of preferential trade arrangements with the EU, particularly through the Multi Fibre Agreement and the Sugar Protocol. These agreements played a crucial role in supporting the industrialisation of Mauritius and the development of a strong export-oriented economy after independence.

Over time, these trade relations have naturally evolved. While changes to the Multi Fibre Agreement and other preferential regimes brought challenges, each phase also pushed Mauritius to adapt, diversify, and become more competitive. Overall, this evolution has been positive and has helped further strengthen trade relations between Mauritius and the EU. This is extremely important for a small export-led economy like Mauritius, where the export sector remains a key driver of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and economic growth.

Importantly, these agreements have not only promoted trade but have also acted as catalysts for investment. Since the 1980s, Mauritius has attracted highly reputed international brands and investors, creating more than four decades of trust and confidence in Mauritius as a reliable manufacturing and export platform. This momentum continues today, including through investment in emerging sectors such as the biomedical industry. In many ways, these trade agreements have helped lay the foundation for the strong industrial sector that Mauritius has today.

? Mauritian rum obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) label under Mauritius’ Industrial Property Act 2019, with the support of the EU. What does this recognition represent for the Mauritian rum industry? In your view, how can the EU further support the international competitiveness of Mauritian rum? Do you also believe that other Mauritian sugar-based products could benefit from GI protection?

The rum sector is a promising emerging export sector. It should be noted that the quality of Mauritian rum is ranked among high-end brands and has obtained international recognition. We are proud to highlight that our rum products have performed exceptionally in international tasting competitions and have won prestigious awards. The recognition of Mauritius Rum as a GI in 2024 represents a major milestone for the Mauritian rum industry. It is a formal recognition of the unique characteristics, heritage, know-how, and production methods that make Mauritius Rum distinct and authentic. It places Mauritius alongside globally renowned rum-producing regions such as Jamaica, Guyana, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, where GI recognition safeguards authenticity and strengthens international reputation.

An equally important achievement would be the registration of Mauritius Rum as a GI in the EU, once the deepened EPA comes into force, given that the EU remains the main export market for Mauritian rum. The EU has played an instrumental role throughout this process, and MEXA is profoundly grateful for the support provided. We believe continued collaboration will be essential through technical support, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to help producers fully leverage the value of the GI and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the sector.

? Has MEXA been involved in consultations relating to the negotiations on the deepening of the EPA between the EU and the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) States? What were the main concerns or priorities raised by Mauritian exporters during these discussions, and to what extent were they taken into consideration?

MEXA actively participated in the consultations surrounding the deepening of the EPA negotiations. Our priority was to ensure that the agreement further improves market access conditions and supports the growth of Mauritian exports across a wide range of products. One of our key concerns was securing certainty regarding the tuna derogation, which remains crucial for the sustainability and competitiveness of our seafood industry, particularly in allowing sourcing from non-originating countries. We are pleased that this concern was taken into consideration during the negotiations.

Another important objective for MEXA was to ensure that the EPA also benefits small and medium-sized enterprises. We advocated for conditions that would allow smaller companies – including those operating in sectors such as salted fish, bed linen, and upholstery – to export more confidently to markets such as Réunion Island. These enterprises, many of which employ a significant number of women, play an important role in our industrial ecosystem. For us, the EPA must not only support large exporters but also help SMEs build their export capacity and integrate more effectively into regional and European markets.

? Looking ahead, what are the main opportunities and challenges that Mauritian exporters may face with the deepening of the EPA?

With the certainty and stability brought by the deepened EPA, MEXA remains confident that Mauritian exports can be further revitalised, particularly in the current global geopolitical context. The agreement will help consolidate our traditional export sectors while also creating opportunities for the development of new export segments, such as Mauritian rum and other value-added products.

We also see strong potential for small and medium-sized enterprises to reconnect with export markets and expand their presence, particularly within the region and the European market. Beyond trade, we hope the strengthened EPA will also help attract more industrial investment into Mauritius, support innovation, technology transfer, and higher value-added activities, which are essential for the future competitiveness of our economy, while at the same time being mutually beneficial to both the EU and Mauritius.

There are, however, legitimate concerns. As the EU continues to engage with other economic partners, Mauritius must ensure that its competitiveness on the European market is not diluted. MEXA therefore advocates that, whenever more favourable conditions are granted to other partners, Mauritius should also benefit from equivalent terms in order to preserve its preferential access and level playing field.

More broadly, we believe our commercial relationship with the EU must continue to be based on constructive dialogue and mutual trust. We are grateful to the EU for its long-standing partnership and confidence in Mauritius. Going forward, it is also our responsibility to make Mauritius more visible on the European market and to develop a new export strategy that responds to the evolving needs and expectations of European consumers and businesses.