The European Union has thrown its weight behind a ban on international trade in Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Member states have agreed to back a ban during next week’s meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), a spokesperson for the EU confirmed today (11 March).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

“Europe will support a ban on the trade of bluefin tuna until stocks recover,” the spokesperson said.

However, the EU is also backing exemptions for traditional fishermen and will call for the ban to be deferred for one year.

While the US has already given the ban its support, Japan has been resistant to any such move and may opt out of the CITIES agreement.

The move has been welcomed by environmental groups.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

A spokesperson for the WWF told just-food that the support of the US and EU for a ban is a “significant development” that could help preserve stocks of bluefin tuns.

“Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks are at an all time low. It is encouraging that both the US and Europe have indicated their support for a trade ban, but it is vital that other countries follow suit,” the spokesperson said.