They say timing is everything.

From a farmer's perspective, the timing of the deal between the EU and Mercosur trading block couldn’t be worse.

The news that, after 20 years of negotiation, Mercosur has got a 99,000t beef quota to export to the EU at preferential rates, comes as farmers see beef prices collapse due to an oversupply across the EU market and as the threat of a no-deal Brexit, which would crash prices further, grows.

Timing

But perhaps the timing of the announcement is not as bad for everyone – particularly European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan.

While likely to face widespread criticism from farmers for allowing a deal to be struck, the Commissioner is perhaps more focused on the political kudos he will receive from helping get the deal over the line. After all, he is a commissioner looking for a new job and the Dealer understands he has his sights set on trade.

Irish man

The talk in Brussels is that the French are concerned at having an Irish man shape the future trading arrangements between the EU and UK post-Brexit.

After today's announcement, there is no doubt that Commissioner Hogan has demonstrated to the French that he is comfortable with sacrificing Irish interests to safeguard the interests of big business in the EU.

It will be interesting to see if the sellout of farmers helps him land his plum job.

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