EU to change trade plan with poor

11 December 2000



‘EU to change trade plan with poor’

By FWi staff

THE EU Commission is expected to change plans to end trade restrictions on imports from the worlds poorest countries, reports the Financial Times.

The farming lobby has fiercely opposed the proposal for free access for all imports except arms from the worlds 48 poorest countries.

Objections have come from the sugar industries in Britain, France and Germany and producers of products including rice, rum and some fruit and vegetable growers.

Now the FT says the Commission will withdraw the benefits of the scheme if exports of sensitive products exceeds specified levels.

A ceiling would be based on highest annual exports of specified agricultural products, plus an unspecified allowance for future growth.

• Financial Times 11 December 2000 page 10