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EU dismisses tax fraud claims against Moroccan tomato exports
The European Commission has firmly rejected allegations of tax fraud concerning Moroccan tomato exports to the European Union. This decision comes in the wake of concerns raised by Spanish MEP Carmen Crespo, who questioned whether Morocco had exceeded its duty-free export limits.
European Commissioner for Agriculture, Christophe Hansen, addressed these concerns, stating that all imports comply with the terms of the 2012 Association Agreement. He clarified that Moroccan tomatoes entering the EU, even when surpassing the established tariff quota, remain legal as long as the necessary customs duties are paid. In fact, customs authorities reported collecting approximately €81 million in duties on these shipments between 2019 and 2024.
Hansen acknowledged that Moroccan tomatoes have been imported beyond the agreed-upon quota since 2019. He emphasized that these out-of-quota imports adhere to the rules set forth in the trade agreement, which requires customs duties for such entries. Crespo had urged the Commission to investigate what she characterized as fraudulent practices due to the alleged exceeding of duty-free quotas, estimating tax losses exceeding €71.7 million since 2019. The EU's recent response has effectively dismissed these allegations.
Over the past decade, Morocco has solidified its position in the global tomato market, experiencing a production increase of 17.36% between 2014 and 2023. Output rose from 1.23 billion kilograms in 2014 to 1.44 billion kilograms in 2023, establishing Morocco as a significant competitor within the European Union.
This surge in Moroccan tomato production has raised concerns among Spanish producers, who view this competition as a serious threat to their industry. In February 2024, farmers in Algeciras, Spain, staged a protest against the influx of Moroccan agricultural products, with some carrying banners that accused Morocco of flooding the market with inferior goods. However, this protest may reflect broader frustrations regarding perceived unfair competition from non-EU countries.
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