Key facts
- US corporate lobbyists held over 350 meetings with EU officials to influence the EU Deforestation Regulation.
- Major US firms and trade associations, including Cargill, Bunge, Mondelēz, and the US Soybean Export Council, were involved.
- The EU Deforestation Regulation prohibits imports of commodities linked to deforested land.
- The law is set to come into effect in December.
- A joint statement after a meeting between Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen promised US special treatment regarding the regulation.
- US corporate organizations stated their engagement was constructive and aimed at enhancing the regulation.
US corporate lobbyists conducted a two-year campaign to influence the European Union's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), aiming to weaken or postpone the legislation, according to an investigation by Mighty Earth. Major US companies and trade associations, including Cargill, Bunge, Mondelēz, and the US Soybean Export Council, held over 350 meetings with EU officials and members of the European Parliament between July 2024 and July 2026. The EUDR, which prohibits the import of commodities linked to deforestation, is set to take effect in December. Mighty Earth's report details lobbying efforts that involved US Congress, the US Department of Agriculture, the Office of the US Trade Representative, and the White House. Following a meeting between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in July 2025, a joint statement suggested special treatment for the US regarding the regulation. US corporate organizations stated their engagement was constructive, aimed at understanding and enhancing the EUDR, and addressing implementation challenges. The US Soybean Export Council expressed support for a transition period to allow for better compliance, while Bunge affirmed its commitment to deforestation-free supply chains.