EU, US oppose India’s demand for special and differential treatment in fish subsidy talks

WTO member countries have failed to reach a consensus on a proposed global deal to end harmful fishing subsidies at a key meeting after the US and European Union opposed India’s demand for special and differential treatment (S&DT) for all developing countries.

With this, it would be difficult to clinch a deal ahead of the crucial World Trade Organisation ministerial conference in December, officials aware of the negotiations told ET.

Wide differences remain in countries’ positions on S&DT and the draft text, which is the base for all talks, does not reflect the principle of common and differentiated responsibility, they said. “Wide differences exist in the positions and the draft text doesn’t reflect our key concerns on common but differentiated responsibilities,” one of the officials said.

WTO had on Thursday convened a meeting of trade ministers of all member countries to discuss the agreement.

The US said it believes that “a blanket approach with permanent carve-outs is neither appropriate nor effective given the purpose of this agreement”.

“We are prepared to consider flexibilities for particularised situations that do not result in the pitfalls of a blanket approach,” US trade representative Katherine Tai said. “Flexibilities for certain developing county members with demonstrated needs can serve a valid purpose.”

EU trade commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said though he agrees that vulnerable fishers in developing countries could benefit from some type of flexibility, this cannot mean a blanket carve-out.

“We want to underline that the geographical scope of any flexibilities for livelihood fishing cannot go beyond territorial waters or 12 nautical miles,” he said.

Their stance is significant as India has said that limiting S&DT to poor and artisanal fishermen only is not appropriate, acceptable or affordable. Sustainability based approach for subsidies that contribute to overcapacity or overfishing is “unequal, unfair and unjust” as it would lead to capacity constraints for developing countries, Goyal said at the virtual meeting on Thursday while calling for an equitable global pact to end harmful fish subsidies.