Effects of future trade agreements on agricultural sector?

Last week, the Commission presented the conclusions of a study into the cumulative effects of twelve future trade agreements on the agricultural products and food sector to the ministers of Agriculture of Europe. The study contains, among other things, specific results for the product prices and production volumes of a number of products, which when combined, amount to 30 per cent of the value of EU exports in the sector. The study sheds light on the possibilities for European agricultural products on the global market, but also shows the sensitivity of specific agricultural sectors. Thanks to a detailed insight into the possible effects, the Commission will be able to make deliberate choices during the negotiation process.

The results of the study justify the current EU approach, which limits the liberalisation of importing sensitive agricultural products in all trade agreements. Upon taking effect, the recently reached agreement with Canada (CETA) and the EU, will abolish 92.2 percent of its agricultural tariffs (up to 93.8 per cent after seven years). The results of the study were presented to EU ministers last week. It is expected to be further discussed during the Agricultural Council under Maltese chairmanship in January. The study into the cumulative effects on agriculture will not replace the wider and more in-depth effect evaluations and sustainability effect evaluations which are done before each trade discussion.