Netherlands’ push only covers import of sustainable palm oil
02/03/2012 (The Star Online), Petaling Jaya - The Netherlands will be pushing for the lifting of European Union (EU) import duties on sustainably produced crude palm oil at the European Commission in Brussels.

This was announced by its Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, Maxime Verhagen late last year as he wanted the EU import tariffs for sustainable palm oil to be lowered compared with conventionally produced palm oil as early as possible.

He presented this proposal in Brussels as part of the recent negotiations of the EU with Malaysia over a free trade agreement, according to Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) in a statement.

Matrade notes, however, that the recommendation would cover only sustainable palm oil, with higher import duties to remain for other non-sustainable produce.