On December 19^th, in a move very much driven by EU Commissioners Hogan and Malmström, export subsidies for developed countries will be scrapped immediately, with developing countries following by 2018.

The move is aimed at ending trade distorting public policies that inhibit trading markets. EU officials hope that in areas such as dairy that the elimination of these subsidies will result in greater opportunities for developing new markets.

While a deal on export subsidies is broadly welcome, general progress on the overall Doha Agriculture WTO talks remain completely stalled with little immediate prospect of revitalisation.

By Conor Mulvihill

European Affairs Executive