US Corporate Lobbying Blitz Targets EU Deforestation Regulation
Major US firms launched a two-year campaign to weaken landmark EU environmental legislation.
1Aggressive Lobbying Campaign Revealed
Environmental watchdog Mighty Earth uncovered a two-year lobbying blitz by US corporations aimed at weakening the EU Deforestation Regulation. Between July 2024 and July 2026, major firms and trade associations held over 350 meetings with European Commission officials and parliament members to influence the implementation of this landmark environmental policy.
2Key Corporate Players Involved
The investigation identified 24 major US entities, including Cargill, Bunge, Mondelēz, and the US Soybean Export Council, as active participants. These organizations engaged in 173 meetings with European parliament members and 178 sessions with senior Commission officials, seeking to address concerns regarding the practical implementation and regulatory compliance costs of the law.
3Political Intervention at Highest Levels
Lobbying efforts extended to the White House and the US Department of Agriculture. Following a July 2025 meeting at a Scottish golf course, Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement promising special treatment for the US, labeling the country as posing a negligible risk to global deforestation.
4Industry Defense and Stance
US industry groups deny a concerted effort to derail the rules, claiming their engagement was constructive. The American Chamber of Commerce to the EU cited IT system shortcomings and lack of clarity as primary concerns. They argue that requesting transition periods is necessary to ensure the regulation can be effectively enforced without disruption.
5Impact on Legislative Integrity
The EU Deforestation Regulation, which prohibits imports of commodities like cattle, cocoa, and rubber from deforested land, has faced two implementation delays. Critics argue that the original goal of rigorous commodity tracing has been significantly dismantled through these persistent lobbying efforts, leading to a revised framework that may lack its initial ambition.
6Official US Administration Position
Trump administration officials visited EU capitals to argue that the law would unfairly raise costs for US producers. Ambassador Andrew Puzder publicly criticized the regulation, claiming it would impose significant compliance burdens while delivering inconsequential environmental benefits. This rhetoric aligns with the broader strategy to protect US exporters from strict EU standards.
7Corporate Compliance and Traceability
Companies like Bunge maintain they are committed to deforestation-free supply chains, reporting 100% traceability for direct and indirect soy sourcing in priority regions. They emphasize that their contact with EU bodies is intended to clarify complex implementation scenarios rather than seeking total exemptions from the established environmental standards and reporting requirements.
8Transparency and Future Outlook
Mighty Earth highlights the urgent need for the European Union to adopt greater transparency regarding lobbying activities. As the law takes effect in December, the balance between environmental protection and international trade remains fragile. Policymakers must now navigate these corporate pressures to ensure the regulation achieves its intended global conservation goals.