Morroccan tomatoes remain subject to import tariffs
The European Commission has rejected suggestions a new trade agreement with Morocco has undermined fruit and vegetable prices for growers in the EU.
It said prices had largely remained stable since the agreement came into force in October 2012 and that it was not aware of any negative impact on the European fruit and veg sector. “EU agricultural prices, including for fruits and vegetables, have maintained a satisfactory level since the implementation of the new agriculture agreement, almost in line with the average of the last three years,” Commissioner Tonio Borg said in a written response to the European Parliament.
The current trade agreement between Morocco and the EU excludes “sensitive” items such as tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers and garlic, which remain subject to import tariffs to protect the interests of EU growers. Borg said neither the EU nor Morocco had expressed “an interest to further negotiate” on those items.
He added that between 2010 and 2012, EU agricultural imports from Morocco were €1.225m, while EU-to-Morocco exports were €1,215m.
