Brussels, 05/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 5 June, during an interview with EUROPE, the European association for molasses importers and distributors, Emidas, which brings together two major dealers such as British Tate & Lyle and Dutch ED 1 F Man Molasses, denounced export restrictions on molasses recently adopted by Pakistan. This country, which is the leading cane molasses exporter, unilaterally established a 15% tax on 12 April on exports of molasses. According to information from the European molasses union, this tax could be increased to 25% if not 40% on 13 June, by decision of the Pakistani head of government via a recommendation from the finance minister. Islamabad's objective is to keep molasses production for domestic purposes in order to foster the production of Pakistani ethanol. Emidas President Eric Pintaud, who forwarded this information to DG Agriculture and Trade at the European Commission, bemoaned the fact that “Pakistan's response to the EU's offer to hold a first bilateral summit on 17 June in Prague is not amicable”. Emidas fears the adverse effect that higher prices for molasses imports from Pakistan would have on European importers and livestock farmers, as molasses is often used in animal feed. The EU, which is the leading world importer, absorbs 60% of Pakistan's molasses production. (E.H./transl.jl)