Relief for the agricultural sector with a deal reached between the EU and the UK

An agreement was concluded between the European Commission and the United Kingdom, just before Christmas, on trade from January 1, 2021. With this agreement customs duties are avoided, which is a relief for the European agricultural sector.

 

 

Relief and satisfaction for the agricultural sector, especially in Spain where professionals had estimated customs duties at €198 million for their exports of fruit and vegetables to the British market.

 

 

Indeed, if the agreement had not been reached, exports of fruit and vegetables to the British market would have been imposed customs duties that could climb up to 20% on certain products, according to WTO regulations (World Trade Organization).

 

 

In 2019, Spanish exports to the UK amounted to 1.5 million tonnes and €1.78 billion. This represented 15% of the total sold abroad by Spain and 9% of the total fruit. In the wide range of exported products, cabbages totaled € 150 million, peppers € 125.6 million, tomatoes € 117 million and lettuce € 116 million. In fruits, tangerine totaled € 154 million, raspberries € 125 million, grapes € 102 million and strawberries € 96 million.

 

 

Satisfaction also for the French agricultural sector. The British market is important and represents around € 6 billion in annual turnover divided between meat, dairy products, wine, fruit and vegetables.