The agricultural sector is particularly relieved that the European Union and the United Kingdom have concluded a deal on trade relations. This avoids import duties that make Dutch products more expensive in the United Kingdom.
The agreement prevents import tariffs on European exports and secures the United Kingdom as a sales market. This does not alleviate all concerns. ‘The worst damage has been avoided, but there will be customs formalities, inspections and delays. These will cost time, money and annoyance ‘, LTO Nederland reports in a response.
The organization takes into account delays at the border. Problems at the Channel Tunnel in Calais can lead to trade flows shifting to ports such as Rotterdam.
Expect malfunctions
The GroentenFruit Huis is also taking delays into account. ‘The border crossing will not always go well in all cases,’ says Daco Sol of GroentenFruit Huis. ‘It requires more actions. There are new working methods and some new people. Then you can expect malfunctions. The question is how big they will become. • Read also: Customs warns: despite the Brexit deal, more hassle at the border
The GroentenFruit Huis is committed to simpler procedures. Sol: ‘The export to the United Kingdom involves such large volumes. This is actually not possible with the usual procedures for third countries. Nor does it suit trading with a neighboring country. We have to look for improvement on a logistics and process level. For example with more digital information exchange. ‘
Date benefit
Sol sees an advantage in the January 1 date. ‘The production of important fresh products, such as tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers, is put on the back burner in the winter.’
The meat sector is relieved that import duties have been removed due to the Brexit deal, says spokesman Patrick de Leede of the Central Organization for the Meat Sector (COV). ‘We do fear delays at the border. Especially as long as people are not yet familiar with the new customs formalities. ‘
Seed potatoes outside the deal
The Dutch Potato Organization (NAO) is also pleased that a trade agreement has been concluded. The British are the largest buyer of chips and they remain so because of this deal. The sale of ware potatoes will also continue. NAO director Dick Hylkema does think that agreements must be made for seed potatoes. Seed potatoes have not been included in the deal.
The export of European seed potatoes to the United Kingdom is allowed for another six months. Seed potatoes from Scotland can no longer be exported to Europe, just as seed potatoes from other third countries are not accepted either.
‘Seed potato companies work internationally. For that you must have free movement of goods. The Netherlands also has an interest in this, ‘says Hylkema.
Fill in details
In the time to come, it must become clear how the details of the treaty are to be completed. From 1 April and 1 July, the rules and controls, for example on phytosanitary level, will be tightened, but it has not yet been determined what this will mean for agricultural exports.
