Criticism of the EU-US tariff agreement: The view of German farmers

Opening the Market to American Goods

According to Sabet, the agreement, in its current form, opens the door to American producers of pork, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. However, this is happening without any real guarantees of compliance with the high production and environmental standards in place in Europe. This creates an uneven playing field for local producers, who are forced to adhere to strict regulations, while their American competitors can offer products that do not meet the same requirements.

Negative Consequences for European Farmers:

Sabet also noted that the agreement fails to provide adequate protection for sensitive products, such as wine and spirits, which have not received tariff exemptions. Instead, EU agricultural and food exports will be subject to a 15% tariff, making them less competitive internationally. "This agreement is one-sided and extremely harmful to European agriculture," Sabet stated. She emphasized that, with rising costs, increasing regulatory burdens, and intensifying global competition, European farmers are already under significant pressure. Under these circumstances, any further deterioration in their market position could be catastrophic for them. Call for New Negotiations: The Secretary General of the German Farmers' Association called on the European Commission to continue negotiations with the US to achieve more balanced market access and tariff reductions. She emphasized the need to protect sensitive products that are essential to European agriculture and culture. Criticism of the EU-US tariff agreement by German farmers underscores the importance of protecting local producers and maintaining high quality standards. In a context of globalization and increasing competition, such agreements must be carefully analyzed and balanced to avoid harming national interests and support sustainable agricultural development. it is essential that the European Commission consider the views and needs of farmers in future negotiations to ensure fair conditions for both European and US producers.