The recently confirmed opening of the Mexican market to fresh pigmeat from Spain is being seen by the European Commission (EC) as the first step in a process which will deliver similar export breakthroughs for other EU member states.
“Concerted efforts to remove technical barriers to EU exports of agricultural products to third markets are bearing fruit for EU producers who can benefit from new trade opportunities,” said the EC, adding that, in light of the positive development for Spanish pork, the Mexican authorities can be expected to continue granting access to imports from other EU countries.
“The barriers our exporters face are not justified in the light of our very high safety standards. Moreover, as the world’s largest food importer we are clearly respecting our international obligations.
“We are now insisting on equally fair treatment from our trade partners and this is already bringing good results.”
The EC also declared its determination to get even better results in the future, working closely with member states and food exporting industries.
“We are confident that we will make complementary progress in the sanitary and phytosanitary area in the near future and that barriers to trade will be further reduced in line with our international obligations,” said the EC.
“The market is opening for fresh pigmeat from Spain and we expect the go-ahead for fresh pigmeat from France. Work is also ongoing for exports from Germany, Romania, Italy and Poland.”