Italy calls for rice import safeguard clause

Threat to domestic rice producers As the country complained at the Agriculture Council on 23 September, rice imports from third countries have led in particular to an overload on its own rice market. The high imports from the least developed countries (LDCs), including Burma and Cambodia, are currently particularly problematic. Under the GSP, some products, including rice, can be imported into the European Union duty-free. Spain and Portugal show solidarity with Italy Spain and Portugal have shown solidarity with Italy's demands. On the other hand, Germany and Denmark see no need for safeguard measures against rice imports from LDCs. Both warn of negative consequences for the world's poorest countries. The EU Commissioner for Agriculture said that the rice ...