The European Union (EU) has approved a two-year exemption from preferential origin rules, allowing Cape Verde to increase the annual quantities of raw materials used in the production of canned tuna, mackerel, and frigate mackerel, the government announced on Tuesday (11).
These rules define whether a product can be considered as originating in a specific country in order to obtain reduced or exempt tariffs in trade agreements.
“This decision represents a positive outcome of the efforts made by the Government of Cape Verde with the European authorities, allowing the restoration of the quantities previously established, as requested by our country, with a view to ensuring greater predictability and stability for the fisheries sector and the national processing industry,” the Executive said in a statement.
With the new derogation, valid for two years, 5,000 tons of tuna per year are now authorized for processing, up from the 3,000 tons provided for in the 2024 agreement.
For mackerel, the annual limit rises to 3,000 tons, compared to 2,700 in the 2024 agreement, while for frigate mackerel it rises to 1,000 tons, up from the 600 previously authorized.
According to the government, the restoration of these volumes should ensure a regular supply of raw materials to fish processing companies and contribute to the continuity of the canning industry in the country.
Source: Lusa
