Ecuador’s banana exporters association AEBE has said it has high hopes following wire service reports that a new proposal is imminent from the EU for change to its banana import tariffs.

The European Commission is remaining tight-lipped, despite reports of leaks from its officials suggesting it is about to propose a lower tariff for an extended period to the WTO.

Eduardo Ledesma, president of the association, said in a statement: “AEBE views with great expectation the indication from international news agencies and the local press in Ecuador that the EU has presented a new proposal to reduce the import tariff for bananas from its existing level of €176 (£158) a tonne.”

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