Answer given by Mr Wojciechowski on behalf of the European Commission
3.5.2021
Myanmar exports of milled Japonica rice have indeed increased since the introduction of the safeguard measures to protect the EU’s rice industry from imports of Indica rice[1]. These measures remain in place until January 2022. The Commission has been closely monitoring the evolution of the imports of rice into the EU including Japonica rice and the economic situation of the EU rice producers. Myanmar does not export paddy rice to the EU.
Further to the answer given by Executive Vice-President Dombrovskis on behalf of the European Commission to Written Question E-000696/2021, it is reiterated that EU unilaterally grants to Myanmar duty free and quota free access to its market under Regulation (EU) No 978/2012 (the GSP Regulation)[2], with the objective of fostering sustainable economic and social development, and eradicating poverty.
The general safeguards provided for under the GSP Regulation respond to the imperative grounds of urgency relating to the deterioration of the economic or financial situation of EU producers. There is no indication that the import of Japonica rice from Myanmar currently leads to substantial market distortion.
All imported rice, including from Myanmar, has to comply with relevant EU sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.