The European Commission indicated at the Agriculture Council on 18 November that it would monitor the level of imports of ‘japonica’ rice from Myanmar. Italy denounced an increase in imports of ‘japonica’ rice from the country.
Italy, supported in particular by Spain, Portugal, Romania and France (which stressed the need for an effective surveillance system in the event of market disruptions), reiterated its request to closely monitor the evolution of these imports and the resulting impact on the EU market and producers, in order to assess whether the conditions are met to activate the ‘safeguard clause’.
Six months after the safeguard clause reintroducing normal customs duties on Indica rice was triggered, the European market was hit hard by the negative effects of duty-free imports of milled japonica rice from Myanmar, warned EU agricultural organisations and cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca) in a letter sent on 1 July to Commissioner Phil Hogan (see EUROPE 12290/9, 12170/21).
“In order to consider possible further steps, we will need the necessary data on the latest import flows as well as on the effect on the EU market, including on prices”, the Commission said. Mr Hogan assured that the Commission services “will continue to monitor closely the levels of rice imports and to assess the market situation, keeping the Member States informed”. The Commission has noted an increase in imports of japonica rice, especially from Myanmar.
Ukrainian maize. Poland expressed concern about the increase in maize imports from Ukraine and the negative effects on the Polish cereals market. Poland has asked the Commission to assess whether Ukraine is applying EU standards for plant protection products in cereal production. The Commission sees no reason, at this stage, to intervene in the maize market. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)