EU Imposes Caps on Duty-Free Ukrainian Agricultural Imports Amid Farmer Protests

The European Union has reached a provisional agreement to limit duty-free agricultural imports from Ukraine by introducing “safeguards” to prevent the market from being overwhelmed by low-cost products. This decision comes in response to widespread protests by farmers throughout the EU, who have expressed concern that these imports are undercutting their sales.

Initially, the EU had waived tariffs on various Ukrainian farm products in 2022 to support Ukraine’s economy following the severe disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion, which had also blocked many of Ukraine’s traditional export routes, including those through the Black Sea. This tariff exemption policy has been extended until June 2025.

However, in light of the protests, the EU will now implement restrictions on the duty-free import of several products including grains, eggs, poultry, honey, and sugar. These safeguards will trigger tariffs if imports exceed the average levels recorded in 2022 and 2023. Previously, the European Commission had proposed using 2021 as a benchmark year for assessing import levels, but this was modified in the recent agreement.

The European Parliament stated that the regulation includes an “emergency brake” mechanism, which allows for immediate action if EU markets experience significant disruption due to these imports. Additionally, the European Commission has committed to closely monitor the import levels of Ukrainian wheat and other cereals, taking action if necessary to stabilize the market.

The policy has sparked significant discontent among EU farmers, particularly in countries bordering Ukraine like Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. These countries report that the influx of cheaper Ukrainian goods has adversely affected their local markets. Polish farmers, in particular, have been vocal, staging extended protests and border blockades, and voicing concerns over unfair competition and non-compliance with EU environmental and animal welfare standards by Ukrainian producers.

The ongoing farmer protests have led to disruptions, including road blockades and the temporary closure of the border with Germany. These actions are part of a broader expression of dissatisfaction with both the import policy and the EU’s climate regulations.

Ukraine, however, maintains that its agricultural exports have not harmed EU markets, noting recent efforts to reopen Black Sea routes which now handle about 95% of its farm exports.

This agreement on import safeguards was finalized three months ahead of the European Parliament elections, where a shift in voter sentiment is anticipated, particularly towards far-right parties that have capitalized on the agricultural sector’s unrest.