EU enlargement puts exporters to test

The EU enlargement from 15 to 25 states as of May 1 will lead to new regulations enforced on the trade with the former CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement) countries like Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Slovenia, which will become EU members. The Romanian exporters will therefore find it harder to penetrate these markets. On the other hand, certain segments, such as the trade in foodstuffs, might see imports from such countries down, because Hungary or Poland will no longer be able to provide the same amount of fiscal incentives. Mihai Ionescu, general secretary of the National Association of Exporters and Importers says the accession of the former CEFTA members to EU will upset Romania’s trade balance by at least $100m. ZF