EUDR this week: Corporate lobbying intensifies as market adjustments and policy debates heat up

This week saw a surge in lobbying efforts from major corporate and international forestry players seeking to delay or weaken the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Meanwhile, the EU continues to refine its framework with updated guidance and potential regional exemptions. Across global supply chains, industries are actively preparing, with some sectors claiming full readiness while others adjust their market forecasts.

Corporate and International Lobbying Efforts

Chocolate giant Mondelez has faced intense scrutiny over its lobbying efforts to delay the EUDR, representing what critics call a last-ditch attempt to weaken the upcoming rules after previously backing them (Trendsnafrica, Global Witness, EUobserver).

Similarly, reports indicate that the US and Canadian forestry industries have actively sought to weaken the regulation (Mongabay via ua.news). In the US, there are growing calls for political intervention, with Donald Trump being urged to pressure the EU over the regulation's high compliance burden despite the US being considered a low-risk region (Wood Central).

Policy Updates and Criticisms

On the administrative front, Brussels is reportedly seeking an exemption from the deforestation law for French Guiana (euractiv.com). The EU has also released updated guidance detailing the requirements for deforestation-free products (HKTDC Research). However, the regulation faces ongoing criticism, with some arguing that the EUDR has failed to deliver on its promises to indigenous communities (euractiv.com).

Supply Chain Readiness and Market Shifts

As the compliance deadline approaches, Donau Soja has lowered its EU soybean forecast (Aquafeed.com). Conversely, the American hardwood industry claims to be fully prepared, asserting that its products are "100% EUDR ready" (Wood Central).

Technological solutions are also advancing, with a new cocoa traceability pilot successfully linking physical authentication to digital passports (New Food). Experts suggest that the EUDR's influence might extend globally, as competitors outside the EU may begin applying these standards to their own supply chains (Comunicaffe International). Meanwhile, UK manufacturers are being urged to prepare for the new rules (Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce), and trade patterns are shifting; for instance, China now accounts for two out of every five dollars earned by Gabon's forest sector (Wood Central).

What this means for small importers

• Do not rely on delays: Despite intense lobbying from multinational giants and foreign trade bodies, small importers should not assume the EUDR deadline will be pushed back. Maintain your compliance timelines.
• Review updated guidance: Ensure you study the EU's updated guidance on deforestation-free requirements to align your due diligence systems with the latest expectations.
• Verify supplier readiness claims: While some supplier groups (such as US hardwood exporters) claim to be fully prepared, you must still conduct your own due diligence to verify these claims and ensure compliance.
• Verify details independently: As regulations and local exemptions (such as French Guiana) evolve, always consult official EU sources or legal counsel to verify compliance requirements for your specific supply chain.