Mozambique will now benefit from a new preferential treatment regime for exports of manufactured goods to the European Union (EU), thanks to the activation of the cumulation mechanism provided for in the European bloc's preferential rules of origin.
The announcement was made on Friday by the European Union's ambassador to Mozambique, António Maggiore, who stressed that the instrument represents a strategic opportunity for Mozambique's industrial fabric. “Cumulation, once activated, will allow Mozambique to import essential inputs and still benefit from preferential treatment when exporting finished products to the European market,” the diplomat said, quoted by the media.
This mechanism, enshrined in EU trade rules, allows raw materials originating in third countries – or processing carried out in countries that are not direct partners – to be considered, under certain conditions, as originating in the European Union or a partner country. This significantly widens the possibilities for developing countries to integrate into global value chains.
The European Commission, on its official website, explains that the concept of cumulation is designed to stimulate exports and strengthen the industrial competitiveness of nations such as Mozambique, allowing them to use imported materials and components without losing access to the trade advantages granted by the EU.
António Maggiore also highlighted that sectors such as clothing and processed foodstuffs are expected to be among the biggest beneficiaries of this measure, which is expected to boost local production for export and attract foreign investment.
This is an important step in consolidating the economic partnership between Mozambique and the European Union, at a time when the country is seeking to diversify its economy and increase the added value of its products on the international market.
