Press Release: Agreement reached to liberalise trade in Agricultural and Fishery Products between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt

A preliminary agreement was reached by negotiators to further liberalise trade in agricultural, processed agricultural and fish and fishery products between the European Union and the Arab Republic of Egypt. This will form the basis of a future agreement, subject to completion of both sides' internal procedures. The agreement will give the EU free and immediate access to the Egyptian market for around 90 percent of agriculture and fisheries exports. There will be full liberalisation for all products except tobacco, wines and spirits and pig meat, for which current arrangements will remain in place. For confectionery, chocolate, pasta and bakery products, duties will be halved. In return, the EU market will be liberalised for all products except tomatoes, cucumbers, artichokes, courgettes, table grapes, garlic, strawberries, rice, sugar, processed products with high sugar content and processed tuna and sardines, where current arrangements will also continue to apply.