Photo: Produit de la Mer /FIS

European Fishing Industry Calls for Tuna Exclusion from EU-Thailand Trade Agreement

FRANCE
Thursday, February 06, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

A free trade agreement is currently being negotiated between the European Union and Thailand.

European fishing industry organizations are urging the European Union to exclude tuna from a proposed free trade agreement with Thailand. Europêche, the Union of French Fishing Shipowners, and Orthongel have jointly appealed to the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture, requesting that Thai tuna be designated a "sensitive product," according to Vincent Schumeng of Produit de la Mer (PDM).

"We are asking for Thai tuna to be recognized as a sensitive product," explains Anne-France Mattlet, director of the Europêche tuna group. In a press release, the three organizations cite concerns about "questionable practices in terms of sustainability and health compliance" in Thai canned tuna production, stemming from the import of raw materials from high-risk countries (Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, etc.).

They also highlight Thailand's "non-ratification of several international conventions relating to human rights and labor." Mattlet notes that the EU currently imports 10,000 tonnes of tuna products from Thailand, which produces 470,000 tonnes annually. "If customs duties, currently at 24%, were to disappear under this agreement, there is a risk of a flood of goods at a time when the European fleet is in difficulty," she warns. The price differential, the press release emphasizes, creates "unfair competition [that] threatens the viability of European tuna fishing." European canners also oppose the agreement, according to Mattlet.

Europêche points to two precedents. The agreement with Vietnam has led to an increase in tuna imports from that country, with reported "cases of health problems," according to Mattlet. Conversely, tuna is currently excluded from the EU-Mercosur agreement. Regarding the application of mirror clauses, she expressed skepticism: "If it means lowering European standards, I am against it. But if it means raising Thai standards to the European level, we are in favor."

<-- Photo: Orthongel

In discussions with GMS representatives, Mattlet senses "an appetite for sustainable products, probably linked to the 2026 implementation of the duty of care directive," which will require greater transparency regarding product origin. "But price remains a determining factor for consumers," she adds. "Fishing is in a difficult moment; we invite consumers to take into account the standards and to be attentive to the origin."

Europêche and representatives of national sectors have approached the European Commission and member states regarding this issue. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for the second half of March.

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