Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Problem Being Faced In Export Of Processed Fruit Products To European ... on 2 January, 2018
Sixteenth Loksabha an> Title: Regarding problem being faced in export of processed fruit products to European Union.
SHRI JAYADEV GALLA (GUNTUR): India is the largest cost-efficient producer of fruits like mango, banana, guava, papaya, pomegranate, etc. India also produces world standard processed fruit products such as mango, banana, guava, papaya puree and concentrate together with pomegranate juice and concentrate and supply the same to EU, which is the largest market for India. But, in spite of maintaining EU standards, we are being rendered uncompetitive when compared to other countries due to discrimination being shown by EU. For example, EU Customs Duty on our mango puree is 3.8% when compared to 0% for South Africa, Mexico, Pakistan, etc. On banana puree, EU is imposing 6.1% Customs Duty on Indian imports, whereas, except Brazil, all others are exempted from Customs Duty. Similarly, on mango puree concentrate, EU is imposing 6% plus 42 Euros per metric tonne on drinks and 20.5% plus 42 Euros per metric tonne for others. There are more such examples.
This kind of discrimination is resulting in insignificant presence of India’s processed bananas and pomegranates and declining share in processed mangoes, guava and papaya. This is impacting not only our exports, but putting the farmers down the ladder.
In view of the above, I request hon. Minister of Commerce to discuss this issue with the EU forthwith and ensure that the Customs Duty on Indian imports be at par with other countries and ensure a level-playing field. Otherwise, it is not only processed food sector but also the farmers will be the losers.