Planos defiende diálogo con EE. UU. pero advierte a la UE contra «amenazas»
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planos, believed on Tuesday that there is «room for dialogue and negotiations» to avoid imposing tariffs by the United States, a country with which there is an «excellent relationship,» but warned that the EU is not willing «in any way» to accept «threats or ultimatums.»
In statements to Mass-Media during a visit to the International Animal Production Fair (Figura) at the Zaragoza Fair, the Minister supported «prudence» but also «firmness» in the face of tariffs announced by the President of the United States, Donald Trump. «If someone affects Spain’s national interests in agriculture or animals or the EU, they will receive an appropriate response,» he said.
Planos also indicated that the Vice President of the European Commission and the Trade Commissioner, Maros Sefcovic, is in Washington on Tuesday, addressing trade issues with US authorities, including tariffs «currently being implemented in international trade.»
In this regard, he emphasized that Spain and Brussels are «maintaining international trade based on rules.» «This is fundamental,» he continued, before stating that they are willing to talk «with everyone.»
Planos also recalled that Spain and the EU have expanded the network of agreements with everyone, which allowed exports to exceed 75,000 million euros in the last year.
Exports continued, especially relevant in the animal sector, particularly in pork, as 60% of the 11,000 million euros generated by this sector are destined for foreign trade. «Therefore, it is very important to maintain it,» he said.
«We work honestly, exporting our products to buy, and, obviously, we are not only a large exporter but also a large importer,» concluded the minister, emphasizing that Spain is also a «major buyer» of American corn and soybeans, which are essential elements for animal feed production.
Planos highlighted animals as an «absolutely fundamental» sector for Spain, accounting for 41% of the total agricultural production of 28,000 million euros.
Therefore, Spain is the leading producer of pigs and sheep in Europe and the third in beef production, and this sector is «a fundamental element» for rural areas.
On the other hand, it was noted that this edition of the fair focuses on a «key» issue, such as «generational relief» on farms. «We must incorporate young people into agriculture and animal husbandry,» he reiterated, mentioning that this was one of the topics discussed in Brussels on Monday, among agriculture ministers and the European commissioner.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the Spanish government worked with the 17 autonomous communities to implement new measures in this area, which he described as «extremely positive and extremely important for the future of the sector.»
FUENTE
