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Parliamentary question - E-002045/2021Parliamentary question
E-002045/2021

Protecting the Spanish ceramics industry against the impact of trade and tariff barriers

Question for written answer  E-002045/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Gabriel Mato (PPE)

A wave of protectionism, in the form of trade and tariff barriers introduced by partner countries in the Euro-Mediterranean area, particularly Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Egypt, is affecting the Spanish ceramic tiles industry. These barriers are jeopardising exports worth EUR 300 million.

High costs and a lack of transparency are examples of specific problems the Spanish ceramics industry faces in securing the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) Quality Mark certificate required to export goods to Saudi Arabia.

Algeria, meanwhile, has introduced a provisional additional safeguard duty set at between 30% and 200%. Specifically, ceramic imports are subject to a duty of 60%.

In Egypt, firms are required to register with the General Organisation for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) to obtain a certificate of conformity, giving them authorisation to export to the country. Since 2016, however, only a dozen or so Spanish ceramics firms have been able to obtain one. On 24 December 2020, the Egyptian Government imposed an import ban - to be reviewed after three months - on a number of products, including ceramic tiles. There is still no news as to whether this ban will be lifted.

In the light of our competitors’ increasingly protectionist policies, what measures and trade defence instruments does the Commission intend to employ to protect businesses in this industry?

Last updated: 3 May 2021
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