– DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE – Archive
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 18 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Exportation of Canarian wine to the United States has dropped by 12% since the implementation of new trade tariffs agreed between the Trump administration and the European Union. Losses are also evident in the sales of cheese and fish.
This was stated on Thursday during a parliamentary committee by Narvay Quintero, the Canarian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, in response to a question from the Nationalist Group, emphasising that some wineries “have been unable to bear” the costs, resulting in the loss of many contracts.
“It is evident that we do not appreciate this situation; we have no competencies, but I reiterate that I’m not pleased, not at all with this agreement,” he noted, recalling that prior to the last tariff increase—earlier increases had occurred during Trump’s first term—Canary Islands exported over €5.5 million worth of fish, more than €8 million in wine, and approximately €1.5 million in cheese.
The Minister insisted that the EU’s negotiations were poor, as they accepted a 15% tax on European products entering the United States, while allowing American products into the EU with no tariffs. He lamented that Canarian products “cannot compete under the same conditions” due to compliance with phytosanitary standards and expressed hope that, with support from all autonomous communities, the European Commission’s intention to introduce a common label for all productions can be blocked.
Regarding the Outermost Regions (RUP), he explained that there is “good news” as Spain, France, and Portugal have agreed that the Posei regulation “must remain active and cannot disappear,” and now the focus is on ensuring this position is maintained in the Commission, along with an increase in financial allocation.
Francisco Linares (CC) pointed out that a “series of unfortunate events” are affecting the global economy due to the “whims” of certain leaders, such as Trump, Putin, or Netanyahu, who have contributed to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
DIRECT IMPACT ON LIVESTOCK
He further indicated that in the Canary Islands, there is a “direct impact,” especially on the primary sector. For instance, during the recent La Orotava pilgrimage, it was not possible to acquire enough teams for all the roads.
“This indicates that livestock farming is disappearing, which I believe takes away part of the tradition, culture, and identity that our ancestors preserved for years,” he remarked.
The nationalist deputy noted that the increase in tariffs has created “fear, uncertainty, and a widespread exodus of young people wanting to start new agricultural ventures” and criticised the openness of the islands’ ports “for everything to come in,” which makes it “impossible to compete with those prices.”
In this regard, he stated that the “only protective cream” left for the Canary Islands is to maintain the Posei, the REA, and to “defend fiercely” the ultra-peripheral status of the Canary Islands, which are all at risk.
“I don’t trust at all; despite hearing ‘good intentions’ within the EU, it seems that Europe tends towards globalisation and the suppression of individualities,” he commented.
