EU en Servië sluiten textiel-overeenkomst (en)
The EU and Serbia have today initialled a bilateral agreement on trade in textiles. Under this agreement the EU will lift all textile quotas applied to Serbia. In return, Serbia will dismantle tariffs applied to EU textile imports. In addition, both parties will refrain from applying any non-tariff barriers to each other's textile and clothing exports. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said: "This agreement is a tangible example of the increasing closeness of the EU's relations with Serbia through the Stabilisation and Association Process. It shows how both our economies can benefit from deeper cooperation".
The agreement between the EU and Serbia was initialled today and will be applied shortly.
The main elements of the agreement are:
- Serbia commits to dismantle its tariffs for EU textile imports over a period of three years: they will be completely dismantled from January 2008 onwards.
- The EU will suspend quotas applied on eleven product categories on a reciprocal basis.
- Both Parties agree to refrain from adopting any non-tariff measures which could hinder trade in textile and clothing products.
- Both parties will closely co-operate to ensure authenticity of origin of exports to the other. Administrative co-operation will be reinforced.
- The agreement contains a clause of suspension of benefits in case of non-respect of commitments.
Background
On textile trade:
Textile trade: Serbia and Montenegro's textile and clothing exports to the EU in 2003 amounted to € 137 million. EU exports to Serbia amounted to € 207 million.
Of the € 137 Million in exports from Serbia and Montenegro, € 128 million was clothing and made-up goods and € 9 million were textiles.
Quotas: Textile and clothing imports subject to quotas amounted to over € 35 million in 2003 with the remainder entering quota-free.
The EU has maintained eleven quotas with Serbia and Montenegro on cotton yarn, cotton fabrics, synthetic fabrics, jerseys and pullovers, shirts, blouses, trousers, terry towelling, overcoats, suits, knitted and crocheted clothing accessories and household linens, curtains and blankets.
Total EU imports of textiles and clothing in 2003 amounted to € 70.2 billion and its exports to € 41.7 billion. The EU's main textile and clothing trading partners are China, Turkey and India.
On EU-Serbia trade relations:
The EU is following a so-called "twin track" approach in its bilateral relations with the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro, as endorsed by the General Affairs and External Relations Council of 11 October. This approach entails dealing directly with the two Republics on all policies they conduct separately and for which they have competency, including trade and customs matters. When Serbia and Montenegro are ready, a single Stabilisation and Association Agreement will be negotiated with the country, with distinct negotiations on, among other things, trade and economic matters with the individual republics.
Given the absence of any economic interest in trade in textiles in Montenegro, the bilateral agreement on trade in these products was concluded with Serbia only and autonomous quotas will continue to apply on EU imports of textiles originating in Montenegro.
More details on the EU's policy concerning the textiles and clothing sector can be found at:
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