Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris
The tariffs are applied to the export consignment, not the quayside wholesaler. There is no visible difference as far as fishermen catching in British waters and landing in British ports are concerned, unless the export purchasers attempt to drive the price they're prepared to pay down by 20% to allow for the tariff they are then going to have to pay. That is unlikely to happen though, because the British fishermen will be in control of the market and the exporters will not easily be able to fulfil demand from restaurants in France from other sources.
Conversely, if the UK concedes a significant amount of fishing permission to the EU it is possible that certain fish demand could be satisfied by EU trawlers fishing in British waters, then landing the catch in EU ports. No tariff is then due. Hence why this is such a vexed issue.
|
Quite a few cases doing the rounds of companies in the EU asking UK suppliers to absorb any tariffs. Easier to ask if there are substitute providers though.
In terns of ceding fishing permission, the UK has done this by selling permits to the highest bidder regardless of nationality. So taking a different stance here would benefit British fishermen.
In the short term, wholesalers may take a hit but the restaurant sector in Europe has been hit hard by Covid and any savings will be gratefully received. Depending on location, British fishermen could relocate their bases to the island of Ireland and avoid the 20% tax and thus be more attractive to EU wholesalers.
But hopefully, a deal will be struck and it will not come to this.