Tuna accord with Europe faces delay, says Roxas

A settlement with the European Union (EU) over market access for tuna exports from the Philippines and Thailand faces delay as the two countries have opposing preferences over the manner in which the minimum access volume (MAV) will be applied, Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II said yesterday.

Roxas said "the Philippines wants the minimum access volume to be country specific," while Thailand wants it to be on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

"The country is against the first-come, first-served option because of Thailand’s proximity to Europe," Roxas said.

Because Thailand is closer to Europe, the Philippines is concerned that the former will be able to gain more access for its tuna products to the detriment of the Philippines which is a little further.

With a country specific minimum access volume, the Philippines is assured of a more equitable access for its tuna.

The Philippines and Thailand have been seeking greater access to the EU market for their tuna products.

Both had earlier questioned the EU’s discriminatory preference for African tuna which has duty-free access to the EU market.

The EU slapped a 24-percent tariff barrier for tuna products coming from the Philippines and Thailand.