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Restructuring the EU-ACP sugar regime : out of the strong there came forth sweetness

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Richardson, Ben. (2009) Restructuring the EU-ACP sugar regime : out of the strong there came forth sweetness. Review of International Political Economy, Vol.16 (No.4). pp. 673-697. ISSN 1466-4526

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09692290802529751

Abstract

In 2005 the EU instigated the most substantial reform to the sugar sector since the UK acceded in 1973 and just two years later caused consternation among the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries by denouncing the 34-year long Sugar Protocol. In contrast to existing literature, which has taken a snapshot of the post-reform period and identified ‘winners and losers’ accordingly, this article examines the processes of capital accumulation in the industry and the legacies these have left. It argues that despite defeat in a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute case, concentration and diversification in the EU sugar industry has enabled its leading corporations to prosper after reform, while divestment in the ex-colonies has left producers in the ACP facing difficulties of adjustment far in excess of plain terms of trade losses. Further, it also reveals why EU reform was not solely a response to WTO legislation but rather, because of the relationship of sugar to wider economic fortunes, resulted from an assiduous attempt by the EU Trade Commission to press the sector into a WTO-compatible Common Agricultural Policy.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Subjects:

H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
J Political Science > JN Political institutions (Europe)

Divisions:

Faculty of Social Sciences > Politics and International Studies

Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):

Sugar trade -- Law and legislation -- Europe, Agriculture and state -- Europe

Journal or Publication Title:

Review of International Political Economy

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis

ISSN:

1466-4526

Official Date:

2009

Dates:

Date	Event
2009	Published

Volume:

Vol.16

Number:

No.4

Page Range:

pp. 673-697

Identification Number:

10.1080/09692290802529751

Status:

Peer Reviewed

Publication Status:

Published

Access rights to Published version:

Restricted or Subscription Access

References:

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