Import tariffs expire
European pig exports get free access to Japan
The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Europe and Japan virtually eliminates trade tariffs on pork. This gives a boost to the competitive position of European exporters.
Last December, a final agreement was reached between Europe and Japan on the terms of the EPA. This after there was already a blueprint in July. The proposed trade agreement is beneficial for European exporters of pork. The European Commission (EC) has announced that exports of both fresh and processed pork will hardly be subject to levies once the treaty enters into force.
The EC is now submitting the proposal to the European Parliament and the European member states for approval. The aim is to make the trade agreement final before the EC's current mandate expires in 2019.
Important sales market
Japan is, after China, the largest importer of (European) pork. For example, imports rose by 2017% in 5,8 to 1,44 million tons, of which 335.000 tons came from Europe. The Japanese import volume is reported to be more or less maintained in 2018. The production of pork in the Asian country is far from sufficient for consumption. In recent years this has fluctuated between 1,25 and 1,27 million tons.
When import tariffs are abolished, the European pig sector will most likely be able to boost the export volume further. This is because the United States, one of the largest competitors on the Japanese sales market, continues to encounter import duties.
Wouter Job
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