The EEC sheepmeat regime : one year on

Abstract

The EEC Sheepmeat Regime was introduced in October 1980, in order to establish a common market in sheepmeats within the Community. During the first year (1980/81) higher support prices led to increased supply in Britain whilst the imposition of a Clawback tax and the strength of the sterling reduced exports from Britain. The British market was somewhat depressed for these and other reasons. Imports into the EEC from New Zealand were also considerably lower than the Voluntary Restraint Agreement (VRA) allows for, though returns from trade were higher, due to the reduction in the import tariff. Assessment of the Regime indicates that it is progressing satisfactorily, but at some high and increasing expense to the EEC (FEOGA) fund. The outlook to 1984/5 is for increased supply in most EEC countries, with a further small decline in consumption in Britain. Intra EEC trade will increase, but third country imports are likely to fall. There is some uncertainty surrounding these projections, especially on price movements, because of possible changes in the Regime and in the usual market forces. The EEC is likely therefore to remain a major but declining market for New Zealand unless efforts are made to fulfill the voluntary quota by expanding the continental market to offset the forecast decline in exports to Britain