Morocco-EU, negociations' progresses alarm

The trade agreement between Morocco and the European Union will be probably achieved before the summer. According to sources close to the actors, last week discussions were very profitable and gave great impulse to the conclusion of an accord as both parts have made significant concessions.
During the negotiations Morocco showed its constant interest to improve the entry conditions for its fruit and vegetable products into the Community market. The Country already benefits from quite advantageous conditions, as its exports’ evolution over recent years prove. For such reason European fruit and vegetable suppliers - above all Spain - are showing great concern about this new trade accord.
In 2007 exports of fresh fruit and vegetables from Morocco to the EU increased by 8%, despite citrus fruits dropping by 24% due to the bas agricultural campaign. Vegetables improved the most with an average increase by 25% last year: in detail, tomatoes have grown by 37%, peppers by 28%, onions +57%, zucchini +16%.
Morocco dominates the EU’s fresh supplies with some products such as green beans. Concerning fruit, the greatest concern is given by table grapes, peaches and nectarines, strawberries, melons and watermelons.