“Under the provisional agreement, the original 20,000-ton quota on chicken imports will be replaced by a 70,000-metric-ton figure,” said Maria Chaplia, Media Associate at the Consumer Choice Centre.

“Even though these numbers seem promising, tariff quotas in their essence are harmful and infringe on consumer choice.

“While limiting the number of chicken breast imports entering the EU market, the EU is creating a market distortion, resulting in a decrease in consumer welfare.

“Simply put, free trade is an exchange that allows each party to exercise their advantage and benefit from the advantage of the other.

“In the absence of tariff quotas, European consumers could enjoy a significantly greater supply of chicken breasts at a lower price.

“Even though European poultry farmers won’t like the outcome of this deal, it is highly important not to let it get in the way of this negotiation.

“The increased quota is to be praised. However, it is not something to be very enthusiastic about.

“Ideally, the EU shouldn’t interpose trade restrictions in the form of tariff quotas at the expense of European consumers and should facilitate free exchange instead.”

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