U.S. Requests EU to Postpone Deforestation-Linked Import Ban
Source: The DairyNews
The United States has urged the European Union to delay its impending ban on imports of commodities like soy and wood that are linked to deforestation, according to a letter accessed by Reuters. The new EU legislation, set to take effect on December 30, mandates that companies trading in key commodities such as soy, beef, coffee, and palm oil in the EU market prove their operations do not contribute to deforestation.
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, alongside U.S. Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack and U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, expressed concerns in the letter that U.S. producers are facing significant challenges in preparing to meet the new regulations. The letter, dated May 30, highlighted that with only six months until the law's enactment, the EU has not yet established a system for producers to submit necessary documentation nor provided clear guidance on the policy's implementation.
The EU Commission acknowledged receiving the letter and stated it would respond appropriately while continuing to work towards ensuring the law's smooth implementation. The policy aims to prevent European consumers from contributing to global deforestation, spanning regions from the Amazon to Southeast Asia, by enforcing stricter supply chain controls.
Despite resistance, particularly from major producers like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil, who argue that the requirements pose undue trade barriers and costs, the EU has remained firm on the necessity of the law to transform voluntary deforestation commitments into concrete actions. The legislation also faces opposition from within the EU, with agriculture ministers from several member states calling for a delay citing potential adverse impacts on European farmers, who will face restrictions on exporting products from deforested lands.
The EU Commission acknowledged receiving the letter and stated it would respond appropriately while continuing to work towards ensuring the law's smooth implementation. The policy aims to prevent European consumers from contributing to global deforestation, spanning regions from the Amazon to Southeast Asia, by enforcing stricter supply chain controls.
Despite resistance, particularly from major producers like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brazil, who argue that the requirements pose undue trade barriers and costs, the EU has remained firm on the necessity of the law to transform voluntary deforestation commitments into concrete actions. The legislation also faces opposition from within the EU, with agriculture ministers from several member states calling for a delay citing potential adverse impacts on European farmers, who will face restrictions on exporting products from deforested lands.
