The Impact of EU Bans on Ukrainian Agricultural Imports: Supply Glut, Disrupted Exports, and Potential Solutions
Several European Union member states, including Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, have imposed a ban on the import and transit of a range of Ukrainian agricultural commodities, including grain, meat, dairy, and honey. Bulgaria has also implemented a ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports, and Romania is considering doing the same. The bans were introduced in response to a supply glut created by disruption to exports through the Black Sea, which has been caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Following the bans, Ukraine's western neighbors have also imposed import restrictions on Ukrainian grain.[0] The European Commission has criticized the moves and is working on a new funding package to relieve farmers and develop a common approach.[1]
Last year, the EU lifted quotas and tariffs for Ukrainian agricultural imports to help the country export after Russia blockaded Ukrainian sea ports.[2] The EU also established “solidarity corridors” for Ukrainian agricultural commodities.[3] However, the lifting of duties on Ukrainian grain created problems for Ukraine's nearest EU neighbors, as Ukrainian grain flooded those markets, causing prices to plummet.[4]
With access to its Black Sea ports blocked by Russia's invasion, Ukraine has had to find alternative shipping routes through neighboring states.[5] Due to the Russian blockade, transit routes through Eastern Europe are crucial for Ukrainian exports.[6] The temporary ban on the import of Ukrainian grain introduced by several European countries, including Poland, became rather harmful for Ukraine.
An assistance bundle comprising financial aid and other measures has been proposed by the European Commission for farmers hailing from countries that share borders with Ukraine.[5] However, the proposal is likely in breach of EU law.[5] Furthermore, due to the ongoing measures, which expire on June 5, local markets in nations close to Ukraine have become skewed.[7] Last year, Poland's wheat imports surged from 2,375 tons in 2021 to 500,008 tons.[8] Maize went from 5,863 tons to over 1.8 million over the same period.[7]
The International Trade Committee recently approved a proposal to renew the suspension of import duties, anti-dumping duties, and safeguards on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, against the background of Russia's war of aggression that is hampering Ukraine's ability to trade with the rest of the world.[9] The proposal will be voted on by all MEPs during the 8-11 May plenary session.[10]
The ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports has also affected prices and local farmers.[11] Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which blocked some Black Sea ports, large quantities of cheaper Ukrainian grain ended up in Central European states due to logistical bottlenecks.[12] Local farmers in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria claimed that this has negatively impacted prices and sales in their countries.[12]
Eastern Europe countries are looking to widen recently-imposed bans on the domestic sale of Ukraine's grains to other agricultural products from their war-torn neighbor, including sunflower oil, meat, eggs, milk, and soft fruits.[0] The EU is now hoping to strike a deal with these countries and find a common approach to the situation.
0. “Poland leads push to widen Ukrainian farm product import ban” American Journal of Transportation, 22 Apr. 2023, https://www.ajot.com/news/poland-leads-push-to-widen-ukrainian-farm-product-import-ban
1. “What's behind EU gripes over Ukrainian grain?” DW (English), 25 Apr. 2023, https://www.dw.com/en/whats-behind-eu-gripes-over-ukrainian-grain/a-65412876
2. “EU short-term poultry outlook driven by Ukraine/Russia conflict” Poultry World, 27 Apr. 2023, https://www.poultryworld.net/the-industrymarkets/market-trends-analysis-the-industrymarkets-2/eu-short-term-poultry-outlook-driven-by-ukraine-russia-conflict/
3. “Ukrainian farmers weigh: To seed or not to seed?” Successful Farming, 27 Apr. 2023, https://www.agriculture.com/news/business/ukrainian-farmers-weigh-to-seed-or-not-to-seed
4. “EU extends tariff waiver for Ukrainian grain, despite some protests” Deccan Herald, 29 Apr. 2023, https://www.deccanherald.com/international/eu-extends-tariff-waiver-for-ukrainian-grain-despite-some-protests-1214038.html
5. “Ukraine warns grain import bans play into Russia's war propaganda” EURACTIV, 28 Apr. 2023, https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/ukraine-warns-grain-import-bans-play-into-russias-war-propaganda/
6. “Why some European countries want to impose ban on Ukrainian grain?” Ukraine Crisis Media Center, 27 Apr. 2023, https://uacrisis.org/en/ukraine-in-flames-413
7. “EU on cusp of ending damaging Ukraine farm import standoff” Firstpost, 25 Apr. 2023, https://www.firstpost.com/world/eu-on-cusp-of-ending-damaging-ukraine-farm-import-standoff-12506202.html
8. “Brussels Troubled As Cheap Ukrainian Grain Distorts EU Market” OilPrice.com, 24 Apr. 2023, https://oilprice.com/Metals/Commodities/Brussels-Troubled-As-Cheap-Ukrainian-Grain-Distorts-EU-Market.html
9. “Eastern EU countries strike deal with Commission to clear Ukrainian grain glut” POLITICO Europe, 28 Apr. 2023, https://www.politico.eu/article/eastern-europe-poland-deal-with-eu-clear-ukrainian-grain-glut
10. “Norbert Lins MEP: Support Ukraine and preserve EU agriculture” European Interest, 28 Apr. 2023, https://www.europeaninterest.eu/article/norbert-lins-mep-support-ukraine-and-preserve-eu-agriculture/
11. “Ukraine slams Poland’s ‘unjustified’, ‘illegal’ ban on Ukrainian imports” La Prensa Latina, 26 Apr. 2023, https://www.laprensalatina.com/ukraine-slams-polands-unjustified-illegal-ban-on-ukrainian-imports/
12. “EU countries to withdraw unilateral restrictions against Ukraine's food exports, Dombrovskis says.” Euromaidan Press, 28 Apr. 2023, https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/04/28/eu-countries-to-withdraw-unilateral-restrictions-against-ukraines-food-exports-dombrovskis-says
