Packers fear influx of cage eggs from Mexico with new trade deal
© AdobeStock The UK egg industry has reacted with disbelief that import tariffs on eggs and egg products are to be phased out following the government announcement that the UK is set to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The trade deal, for which the UK government has now “substantially concluded” negotiations, will lead to increased free-trade with 11 other countries, including Canada, Mexico and Chile.
See also: Farming industry welcomes UK joining CPTPP with boost for exports
Most farming organisations have given a cautious welcome to the accord, seeing it as an opportunity to increase food exports.
The deal paves the way for lower tariffs on UK exports of dairy products to all 11 countries, as well as for meat and eggs.
But, while access to the UK market for certain “sensitive” products such as beef and lamb will only be phased in over time and subject to tariff rate quotas and permanent limits, this does not extend to eggs.
Egg producers are particularly worried about the opportunities this will open for eggs from Mexico, as import duties are phased out over 10 years.
Cage eggs
The British Egg Industry Council (BEIC) met trade and Defra ministers on Monday (3 April), arguing that import tariffs should be retained as Mexico produces 99% of its eggs in cages – a system that was banned in the UK on cruelty grounds in 2012.
“Unfortunately, animal welfare standards did not hold sway,” said BEIC chief executive Mark Williams. “Government instead chose to prioritise economics over animal welfare.
“Negotiators worked on the basis that, as Mexico does not currently export to the UK, they are not a threat. They have missed the point that it is not today’s trade we have concerns about, but future trade.”
The UK’s chief negotiator suggested that the UK could use a bilateral trade deal with Mexico to encourage higher standards in that country.
“We can only be sceptical of the chances for progress as Mexico is a 99% conventional cage industry,” said Mr Williams.
Call for referendum on CPTPP membership
A new petition has been launched by Liz Webster, chairwoman of the Save British Farming campaign, demanding that UK citizens be given the chance to vote in a referendum before joining the CPTPP.
“We had two referendums on membership of the EU trade bloc, and it’s only fair and right that the people be asked if we are to join any more trade blocs,” she said.
According to the petition, which now has more than 9,000 signatures, the value of UK agriculture would fall by 0.82% if South Korea and Thailand also joined CPTPP, making it the second-most affected sector of the UK economy.