Copa Cogeca : and Cogeca regret USA decision to impose punitive import duties on Spanish table olives

25/1/18

Press Release

Copa and Cogeca regret USA decision to impose punitive import duties on Spanish table olives

Copa and Cogeca warned in Brussels today against the USA decision to put import duties on Spanish table olives, saying that it clearly amounts to protectionism.

Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said "The U.S. Department of Trade decided last Friday to impose taxes on Spanish olives, following a 2nd investigation by the U.S. They want to impose additional taxes of 17.13% on top of the 4,47% decided last November and the current tax of 5.5%, causing Spanish olives to face total taxes of 25% to enter the U.S. market. We are disappointed with the decision. It is unjustified and disproportionate and it goes against our common interest to develop good trading relations with the U.S.".

"The main reason why Spanish imports of black table olives are so competitive is because producers have made great efforts to cut their production costs and have also invested a lot in cutting edge technology. They should not be penalized for this", added Pesonen. Copa and Cogeca consequently call on the European Commission to act against these unjustified measures, as it amounts to protectionism.

For further information, please contact:

Francesco Mirizzi

Policy Advisor

Tel.: [phone]

Amanda Cheesley Press Officer

Mobile: + 32 474 840 [e-mail]

CDP(18)559:1

Copa - Cogeca | European Farmers European Agri-Cooperatives 61, Rue de Trèves | B - 1040 Bruxelles |www.copa-cogeca.eu

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