Spanish MEPs push EU to revisit Morocco trade deal over Moroccan Sahara ruling
Spain Demands EU Revisit Trade Deal With Morocco Over Tomato Imports
Spanish lawmakers are urging the European Commission to reconsider its trade agreement with Morocco, claiming it unfairly disadvantages Spanish tomato growers and violates a 2024 EU court ruling.
Pressure Mounts on EU Amidst Rising Tomato Import Concerns
MEPs Carmen Crespo and Mireia Borrás Pabón have called for immediate action, arguing that the current deal is creating an “unacceptable imbalance” in Europe’s fruit and vegetable market.
Crespo specifically demands stricter import quotas, greater transparency regarding product origins, and tighter price controls. She further warns that Moroccan tomato imports could be costing the EU up to €70 million in lost taxes due to potential tax evasion, calling for financial compensation if this is confirmed.
Court Ruling Ignored: Spanish Tomatoes Face Stiff Competition
Borrás Pabón echoes these concerns, criticizing the European Commission for inaction nearly a year after the court ruling. She emphasizes that tomatoes originating from the Moroccan Sahara should not benefit from tariff advantages and must be clearly labeled with their true origin.
Trade groups Fepex and Eucofel have joined the chorus of dissent, stating that Moroccan imports are undermining EU tomato production. They point to a dramatic surge in Moroccan tomato imports – increasing by 269% over the past decade from 18,000 tons in 2014 to over 66,000 tons in 2024. Conversely, Spanish tomato production has fallen by 31%, and exports to the EU have dropped by a quarter during this period.
EU Faces Growing Pressure Amidst Trade Tensions
The European Commission is yet to respond but is expected to provide a written reply soon. This debate comes amidst growing anxieties among EU farmers, particularly in Spain, regarding perceived unfair competition and inadequate enforcement of trade regulations. The situation risks further straining agricultural relations between Europe and Morocco.