SA, EU citrus disputes result in significant costs to industry-Ronelle Snyders

[Nat Quinn]

SA, EU citrus disputes result in significant costs to industry-Ronelle Snyders

Cabinet says the measures introduced by the European Union (EU) on the export of South Africa’s citrus products to the EU are resulting in significant costs to the South African citrus industry, estimated at R2 billion (US$110 million) per year.

The first regular Cabinet meeting of the seventh administration, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday, expressed concern following a briefing on a formal dispute initiated by South Africa with the World Trade Organisation against the EU’s stringent and unnecessary plant health requirements regarding Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Codling Moth (FMC) regulations on the export of South Africa’s citrus products to the EU.

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, speaking in the media about the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, said South Africa was the world’s second largest exporter of citrus and 33% of the country’s citrus exports were destined for the EU market.

Although not a ban, Ntshavheni said the measures introduced by the EU lead to significant costs for the SA citrus industry.

South Africa’s industry provides direct employment to more than 140 000 people in rural South Africa and therefore supports more than 1,5 million people. The EU has decided to introduce the stringent measures against South Africa, while not requiring the same from countries with similar situations, Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

source:SA, EU citrus disputes lead to significant costs to industry – People’s Power News (volkskrag.co.za)

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