Detail

European Union

Oilseeds, oils and meals

Olive oil

01/10/2015

Trade

Import tariff

Proposed to raise temporarily the tariff rate quota for imports of olive oil from Tunisia into the EU.

The European Commission proposed to raise the tariff rate quota for imports of olive from Tunisia into the EU. Under the proposal, Tunisia’s annual duty-free import quota would be increased from 35 000 to 91 700 tonnes for 2016 and 2017. The initiative is aimed at supporting Tunisia’s economy in light of recent difficulties, including terrorist attacks earlier this year. Olive oil is Tunisia’s top agricultural export commodity to the EU and the olive sector is reported to employ one fifth of the country’s agricultural workforce. To come into force, the Commission’s proposal still requires formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council.