Five EU countries increased grain exports and processing at the expense of Ukraine

UkrAgroConsult

In 2022, the neighboring countries that banned the import of Ukrainian agricultural products strengthened their export potential, increased domestic processing, and increased the competitiveness of the livestock sector through imports from Ukraine.

This was stated by Mykola Solsky, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, during a meeting of the EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries, which took place on May 29-30 in Brussels.

He noted that Poland increased its exports by more than a quarter, reaching a record high of €47.5 billion. Poultry production, in particular thanks to Ukrainian grain, increased by 7.5%.

“Poland, along with other Eastern European countries where restrictions have been imposed, imported €7 billion worth of agricultural and food products from Ukraine. According to expert estimates, about €3.5 billion of this amount was grain and oilseeds, which were exported to other countries after being overloaded. If we look at exports of grains and oilseeds alone, the share of Ukrainian transit is 80%. At the same time, exports of agricultural products from these five countries increased by €18 billion in 2022,” the ministry’s press service quoted Solsky as saying.

He also noted that, compared to last year, this year’s exports of grains and oilseeds from Ukraine are expected to decrease by one third – to 46 million tons per year. As a result, Ukraine will be able to export 40% less grain than last year.

Mykola Solsky emphasized that before making decisions on the ban, it is necessary to conduct research in accordance with European rules.

“We are absolutely ready for such studies, and we ask the EU to act according to the rules that the EU has established,” he emphasized.

The minister also emphasized that the restrictive measures imposed should be lifted, and sustainable solutions should be found in consultations with Ukraine’s participation.

Tags: Ukraine, export, grain, EU, Poland, Processing, restrictions