The EU has proposed removing all remaining quota and tariff limitations on access to the EU market for all African, Caribbean and Pacific regions as part of the current Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations. The offer covers all products including agricultural goods such as beef and dairy and will apply immediately following the signing of an agreement—with a phase-in period for rice and sugar. The only exception will be South Africa where a number of globally competitive products will continue to pay import duties.

Flexibility under WTO rules means that ACP counties will have to offer market access, but this will phase in over many years. The ACP will also retain the right to protect sensitive products where the removal of import duties could threaten local producers.