During the last citrus seasons, a slowdown in prices and export dynamics due to the massive influx of oranges from Egypt at very low prices was observed at this time of the year. La Unió Llauradora believes that solutions are needed to stop this trend.
She therefore calls on the European Commission to increase the entry price of imported citrus fruits to a minimum of €1/kg, to increase the entry price to current profitable values in the value chain and to the Ministry of Agriculture. agriculture to activate the safeguard clause provided for in the trade agreements with Egypt.
The EU entry price system, designed to protect farmers against unfair competition, has become completely obsolete, although it remains a positive and necessary mechanism that needs to be improved.
The current entry price for non-quota oranges, according to the standard import value, is €0.693/kg, although this is not reflected in orange imports from Egypt. In this sense, import data shows that in 2024 Egyptian oranges entered Spain at an average price of €0.51/kg, still lower than the entry price.
Massive imports from Egypt, particularly between January and March, determine prices and demand for European citrus fruits. Carles Peris, secretary general of La Unió, says that “from a commercial point of view, the low prices of Egyptian imports are used to exert downward pressure on those of European production. Furthermore, as these imports increase at unbeatable prices, markets demand less European citrus. This leads to a clear distortion of the market and is sufficient reason to activate the protection clause. »
-In 2023, Spain imported 109,152 tons of Egyptian citrus fruits at an average price of €0.53/kg, and in the main months of the 2024 season, 104,192 tons were imported at €0.51/kg. kg. These prices are well below European production costs and the standard import value, which jeopardizes the profitability of farmers in the Valencia region.
La Unió highlights that European production is more sustainable and responsible than imports from third countries, such as Egypt.
Peris emphasizes that it is necessary to “guarantee compliance with entry prices and avoid the collapse of the European market. » This is why he proposes “establishing a minimum entry price of €1/kg for imported citrus fruits, adjusted to actual production costs and the current CPI, as well as applying the protection clause , by limiting imports of Egyptian oranges during the critical months of January to March in order to protect the Community market. »
For more information:
Carles Peris
The Union
Such. : +34 658928923
[email protected]
https://launio.org
