Changes in the terms of trade with the EU will force Ukraine to look for new markets for wheat

Wheat supplies to the European Union market may be reduced from the current 6 million tons to 1 million tons if the mechanism of agricultural exports to the EU changes after the end of the autonomous trade measures (ATM). This opinion was expressed by Mykola Gorbachev, President of the Ukrainian Grain Association.

“We hope that in the 2024/2025 season we will sell about 6 mln tons of wheat to the EU. There are rumors that there are agreements starting from June 6, 2025, and if the same mechanisms are not used, we will be able to export only 1 mln tons under the quota. Then we will have to look for other markets for 5 million tons,” he said.

At the same time, the UGA President pointed to a rather constructive position of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and agricultural policy makers who are trying to find new markets for Ukrainian agricultural products, including African countries. Therefore, even if the European Commission imposes restrictions, Gorbachev believes that the Ukrainian harvest will be fully sold.

Speaking about other grain crops, the UGA president expressed confidence that they would not be affected by the restrictions.

“Corn supplies have already been regulated. Europe imports 20 million tons annually, more than half of which is Ukrainian corn. Therefore, Europe needs our corn to grow jamon and prosciutto. No one can replace it. This (supply from Ukraine – ed.) is the fastest way to get it,” he assured.

Gorbachev also believes that the European Union will not restrict purchases of Ukrainian soybeans, meals and sunseed.

The President of the Ukrainian Grain Association noted that there is no final decision on changing the EU’s trade rules with Ukraine, and the negotiation process is ongoing.

Tags: EU, wheat, restrictions, Ukraine, corn