Spain demands protection of the tuna sector in EU-Thailand trade negotiations

Galicia, a key region for European fishing, is leading the calls to exclude tuna from this agreement.

The president of the Galician government, Alfonso RuedaHe expressed his opposition to the liberalization of tuna imports as part of the FTA. "It is fundamental and we will fight for it. It is our right and Galicia has a lot at stake," he stated during an event in Pontevedra on March 28.

Tuna is the most consumed fish in the EU, with an average of 2.96 kilos per capita, and Spain accounts for 88% of European catches. Meanwhile, Thailand is the world's largest exporter of canned tuna, although its exports to Europe are currently limited to about 10,000 tons and subject to a 24% tariff.

Organizations like Europêche They have warned that removing these taxes could trigger a flood of imports from Thailand. Xavier Leduc, president of the Europêche tuna group, declared: «Loins and cans processed in Thailand from substandard Asian fisheries pose a direct threat to sustainable European fleets.«.

Furthermore, the European fishing sector fears that a trade agreement with Thailand could unbalance competitiveness and affect local jobs. Meanwhile, Spain is positioning itself as one of the main advocates for protecting its fishing sector in the face of international negotiations.