In a statement, this Canary agricultural organization complained that the defence mechanism for European bananas has not yet been activated, despite the fact that the tariff reductions granted to countries in the Americas and Africa have resulted in a continued rise of banana imports.
"Peru has been the last country to exceed the threshold established by the European Union in its tariff reduction agreements, following the path of Nicaragua and Guatemala, which were the first countries to exceed the total import threshold. established by the EU," says a representative of the association.
Asprocan says that, "in spite of this, the European Commission has refused to apply the measures foreseen and suspend the preferential tariff for these countries, as established in the defence mechanisms for European bananas."
"The effect on banana importers is that they can see it as profitable to breach the limits".
In the opinion of Domingo Martín, president of the Canary producers, the fact that the defence mechanisms set up by the EU have not been activated "further increases the threats to the Canary banana sector for the immediate future, given the already advantageous conditions granted to banana imports."
"It is necessary to establish clear measures that can help the sector defend itself," says Martín, who recalled that this week the Congress of Deputies must make a decision regarding a motion that proposes the adoption of urgent measures to help Canary banana growers in Spain.
Asprocan believes that this decision "is essential for the viability and continuity of the sector in the medium term."
Source: EFE