Yesterday, the European Commission formally announced the agreement reached with Morocco, which extends tariff benefits to products from Western Sahara, circumventing two EU Court of Justice rulings dated October 4, 2024. According to Fepex, this agreement, now provisional in effect, is expected to significantly increase Moroccan fruit and vegetable exports to the EU.
Fepex strongly opposes the new EU-Morocco agreement, published in the EU Official Journal on October 4 and announced yesterday, because it is expected to lead to a notable increase in fruit and vegetable exports to the EU, thereby heightening competition with EU producers. EU farmers have already faced challenges in recent years due to higher labor and plant protection standards than those in third countries.
Specifically, Moroccan competition has contributed to a 31% decline in Spain's tomato production over the past decade. EU tomato exports have fallen by 25%, from 786,599 tons in 2014 to 591,098 tons in 2024 (excluding the UK). Meanwhile, EU imports of Moroccan tomatoes increased by 42%, from 345,416 tons in 2014 to 491,908 tons in 2023.
Consequently, Fepex stresses that, despite the lack of transparency in the negotiation process— which allowed the agreement to provisionally enter into force—the European Parliament should scrutinize the situation thoroughly and oppose final approval, as the deal contravenes the two CJEU rulings and disregards the harm it will cause to EU fruit and vegetable producers.
For more information: www.fepex.es
