The recent agreement between the European Union and the United States has opened a new chapter of uncertainty for the Valencian agricultural sector. Here we explain clearly what these tariffs mean, how they affect us, and what a cooperative like ours can do. Cocalni to continue defending the quality and origin of its products.
What does this new tariff agreement mean?
The agricultural organisation La Unió Llauradora i Ramadera has denounced that the agreement establishes a 15% tariff on European agricultural exports, without including any ‘sensitive’ products among the exceptions. This is interpreted as a clear political surrender to pressure from Washington. The agreement opens the door to greater imports of US agri-food products — nuts, dairy products, fruit, vegetables and pork — creating direct and unfair competition for our own products.
Direct impact on the Valencian Community
The repercussions are worrying: imports of nuts (mainly almonds and walnuts) from the US exceeded €355 million last year, almost equalling the total value of Valencian agri-food exports to that country. Key sectors such as wine and olive oil, historical pillars of our exports, are also affected without receiving any tariff relief. This puts double pressure on our industries.
Altres veus del camp alerten del risc
ASAJA Alicante has described the agreement as ‘catastrophic’, warning that it will seriously affect Valencia's competitiveness. Iconic products such as almonds and Alicante nougat could become more expensive or lose market share to cheaper imports.
What can be done from the sector
The Valencian Regional Government is already taking action: it has announced the creation of a map showing the sectors affected and has requested a relief fund coordinated by the Government and the EU. It is also promoting internationalisation, market diversification and favourable taxation to alleviate the effects on our manufacturing companies.
Final perspective
The new 15% tariffs pose a real threat to the Valencian countryside, especially for key products such as nuts, wine, oil and citrus fruits. US competition, which is cheaper as it is exempt from these taxes, could undermine the sector's sales and profitability. For a cooperative such as Cocalni, it is essential to strengthen the brand by emphasising its Valencian origins, quality and sustainability, exploring new markets and participating in industry networks that lend weight to our claims.
For more information, you can read the article published in Castellón Diario about the tariff situation and its impact on Valencian agriculture.
