Reports in Brussels on Friday morning suggest that the Trade Policy Committee (TPC) meeting to be held later in the day will approve an EU Commission offer of a 70,000t beef quota to the Mercosur trade bloc.

It is understood that this will be divided equally between fresh high-quality and frozen beef, although high-quality and high-value cuts can be part of the frozen quota as well if they are frozen.

It appears the EU will be suggesting a six-year lead-in for implementation, which contrasts with the up to 15-year lead in period agreed with Japan for EU exports in July. It is also thought the in-tariff quota rate will be 7.5%, which is lower than the current Hilton quota rate of 21%.

Opposition

It has also emerged that while there are 11 nations including Ireland that have expressed opposition to an offer being made at this time, eight member states have expressed support for a deal being concluded before the end of this year. Among these are Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, so it looks like the numbers are in place for the offer to go forward.

The UK support is notable as it had been thought the protocol for them would be abstention as they will likely have left the EU before any Mercosur deal would take effect.

Read more

No room for more beef in EU