Norway’s ‘protectionist’ tariffs on imports criticised by Irish MEP

Ireland South MEP Seán Kelly has criticised Norway’s “protectionist” import tariffs of up to 429% on some food products, despite its commitment to the single market.

Since Jan 1, European exporters of certain cheeses, lamb, and beef meat have faced duties of 277%, 429%, and 344% respectively in the Norwegian market. Irish exports to Norway in 2010 were worth around €11m, according to Bord Bia.

Mr Kelly has co-signed amendments at European Parliament level, calling on Norway to urgently withdraw the new tariffs, which he claims are in breach of the spirit of the single market. The EU ambassador to Norway, Janos Herman, also claimed that the Norwegian tariffs were in breach of the EEA trade agreement which came into effect in January.