This is pretty misleading. Generally tariffs are low. But even where the customs union could be a barrier to poorer countries, the EU has lots of agreements that remove them 1/
For least developed countries the EU's Everything but Arms agreement offers zero tariffs and quotas on... everything but arms. There are 49 beneficiary countries. trade.ec.europa.eu/tradehelp/ever… 2/
The EU also offers a "Generalised Scheme of Preferences" (GSP) for low and lower-middle income countries without FTAs. This reduces duty by 66% for all tariff lines including agriculture. There are 23 beneficiary countries. /ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/c… 3/
Another 10 countries also get offered zero duties. This is called GSP+ and is given on the condition they ratify and implement international conventions on human, labour and sustainable development. 4/
So when it comes to tariffs the argument that the CU is a protectionist racket that locks out poorer countries ignores the actual duties poorer countries face. But its not all about tariffs. 5/
There are arguments that EU regulations and product standards lock the poorest producers out of the market. Obviously there are good reasons why these standards exist. But even if you think they're protectionist it has nothing to do with the CU anyway so JRM is wrong. ends/
