La Unió demands that the European Commission raise the entry price of imported citrus fruits to a minimum of €1/kg and that they don't allow them to enter below the current effective costs of the value chain, as is the case.
"EU authorities should review and update the Entry Price System so it aligns with current costs, which continue to rise. The entry of such cheap citrus fruits distorts the market. Their passiveness and lack of response to the sector's repeated requests to update European mechanisms that are obsolete are unacceptable. It is absurd that they are not reacting," stated Carles Peris, Secretary General of La Unió.
© La Unió
This citrus season, as in the last few, there's been a slowdown in prices in some phases and a slower export dynamic due to the entry of oranges from some countries, such as Egypt, at very low prices. La Unió Llauradora believes that the massive influx of oranges from Egypt without tariffs and at rock-bottom prices must be addressed to halt this trend, which is of great concern to growers.
The EU entry price system, designed to protect European farmers against unfair competition, is totally obsolete, although it remains a positive and necessary mechanism to be improved.
Once again, Egypt has continued to introduce its citrus in European markets below the Entry Price System. The current minimum import price for out-of-quota oranges, according to the Standard Import Value, is €0.693/kg. However, this is not being respected when importing Egyptian oranges. The import data shows that in 2024, Egyptian oranges entered Spain at an average price of €0.51/kg, well below the minimum price.
Massive imports from Egypt, especially from January to March, condition prices and demand for European citrus. "Trading companies are using these low prices to put pressure on European producer prices. In addition, by increasing these imports at knockdown prices, markets demand fewer European citrus fruits," stressed Peris.
"The volume of citrus imports from Egypt has decreased this season, and the entry price has risen slightly over the previous season. However, it remains below the effective harvesting, packing, and transporting costs, which are also under pressure and continue to rise. It's difficult to compete under these circumstances, unless the current entry price system is revised," he added.
© La Unió
La Unió stressed that European production is more sustainable and responsible than imports from third countries. Valencian citrus farming generates employment and supports the economy of rural areas, avoiding depopulation; complying with strict environmental and quality standards, guaranteeing an environmentally friendly production; offering products with high levels of food safety and traceability, much higher than those of imports. In contrast, imports have a much greater environmental impact and do not bring economic or social benefits to European communities.
"We must guarantee compliance with entry prices and avoid the collapse of the European market. That's why we propose establishing a minimum entry price of €1/kg for imported citrus fruits, adjusted to the actual production costs and the current CPI," the Secretary General of La Unió said.
For more information:
Carles Peris
La Unió
Tel: +34 658 92 89 23
Email: [email protected]
https://launio.org
