As in previous years around this time, there is a slowdown in prices and the export dynamics of Spanish citrus. This is due to the massive import of cheap Egyptian oranges, according to the Spanish growers' association La Unió Llauradora, which believes that solutions are needed to stop this trend.
The organization calls on the European Commission to increase the minimum import price for citrus to at least €1 per kilo. It also asks the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture to activate the protection clause in the trade agreement with Egypt.
The current European system of minimum import prices, which is intended to protect growers from unfair competition, is outdated. However, it remains an important and necessary instrument that should be improved.
Currently, the minimum import price for out-of-quota oranges, according to the Standard Import Value, is €0.693 per kilo. 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.
The massive import of Egyptian oranges, especially from January to March, is depressing prices and demand for European citrus fruits. According to Carles Peris, secretary general of La Unió, "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. This clearly disrupts the market, and is reason enough to activate the safeguard clause."
In 2023, Spain imported 109,152 tonnes of Egyptian citrus at an average price of €0.53/kg. In the peak months of last season, the country imported 104,192 tons at €0.51 per kilo. These prices are well below European production costs and the Standard Import Value, seriously jeopardizing the profitability of Valencian producers.
La Unió stressed that European production is more sustainable and responsible than imports from third countries, such as Egypt.
Peris points out that it is necessary to "We must ensure compliance with entry prices and avoid the collapse of the European market," Peris stated. To do so, La Unió proposes "a minimum entry price of €1/kg be established for imported citrus, adjusted to real production costs and the current CPI, as well as applying the safeguard clause for Egyptian oranges, limiting their imports during the critical months of January to March to protect the Community market."
For more information:
Carles Peris
La Unió
Tel: +34 658 92 89 23
Email: [email protected]
https://launio.org