New EU-US trade agreement, a challenge for the Spanish agricultural sector

La European Union y United States have released a joint statement on the "Framework Agreement for Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade", a pact that eliminates duty for certain U.S. agricultural products that are imported into the UE. Despite the name, this agreement has raised concerns in the European agricultural sector, especially in Spain, due to an apparent lack of reciprocity.

This new agreement includes the elimination of tariffs on agricultural products such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and seeds imported from the United States. imports Imports of nuts from the US to the EU have grown significantly, reaching 478 tons. Within this context, Spain stands out as one of the main destinations, receiving 23% of total EU imports, placing it only behind Germany. The products most affected by this measure are almonds, shelled walnuts, and pistachios.

The lack of reciprocity in trade conditions, coupled with Spain's status as a priority destination for imports of US nuts, puts domestic producers in a vulnerable position, according to Fepex.

Meanwhile United States The US maintains a 15% tariff on European fruit and vegetable products. This situation puts Spanish garlic and onion exporters, who account for 72.7% of Spanish fruit, vegetable, and nut exports to the US, at a disadvantage.

The Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX) has expressed concern, noting that the agreement does not meet the promised balance. According to the organization, the lack of reciprocity in trading conditions harms European producers, especially Spanish producers of garlic, onions, and nuts, who face increased competition without equivalent access to American market.