Poland, Hungary, Slovakia Ban Grain Imports From Ukraine; EU States “Not Possible”

Slovakia is the latest country to join Poland and Hungary in unilaterally banning the importation of Ukrainian grain and agricultural products, stating the move is to protect their farming sectors from being swamped and undersold.

And as Bulgaria considers implementing its own ban, the EU Commission released a statement saying taking such measures was “not possible” under EU trade rules.

Last year, the EU bloc lifted tariffs on Ukrainian grain to help get shipments to international markets in the face of Russia’s invasion. However, the exports are creating a glut in neighboring countries, pushing down prices in Central and Eastern Europe.

Poland and other countries released a letter asking the EU to take steps to ensure that grain meant for African and Middle Eastern countries reaches its destination, and explained that it wanted to ensure that grain destined for other markets doesn’t stay in the country.

The Commission, which is planning to extend the lifting of tariffs on Ukrainian grain and agricultural goods beyond June of this year, is currently in talks with member states and Ukraine, and has mobilized €56 million from the EU budget to help Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania cope with greater volumes of grains and oilseeds coming from Ukraine, and is discussing the possibility of a second compensation package in the coming days.

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