The argument is that it is U.S. companies that are insanely competitive at making high-fructose corn syrup, and that the EU has largely banned it as a shield to

The argument is that it is U.S. companies that are insanely competitive at making high-fructose corn syrup, and that the EU has largely banned it as a shield to European companies making other sweeteners (e.g.: sugar). I would argue that the ban on genetically modified organisms (GMO) is a cleaner example of European protectionism (not that all other countries, the U.S. included, do not also practice protectionism). You can find lots of sources for the fact of this near-ban, but this one is nice and pointed: "Because of its low cost and long shelf-life, HFCS is used widely in manufacturing many food products, including candy, throughout the United States. However, due to strict EU regulations, HFCS is banned in much of Europe" https://www.sugarjoy.com/pages/hfcs-gmos-and-trans-fats https://www.sugarjoy.com/pages/hfcs-gmos-and-trans-fats