Poland revisits three-year-old ‘technical grain’ issue from Ukraine amid talks on new transit

Poland and Ukraine are discussing a possible increase in Ukrainian grain transit to Baltic ports. Polish Deputy Agriculture Minister Jacek Czerniak confirmed that Ukraine is seeking to expand shipments, but Warsaw is taking a cautious approach due to concerns about additional pressure on port logistics.

Polish officials fear that larger volumes of Ukrainian grain moving to third countries could create queues at ports for domestic farmers’ crops. At the same time, Sparks Polska estimates that Polish ports can handle more than 1 mln tons of agricultural products per month and have some spare capacity for Ukrainian cargoes. Transit volumes are expected to increase in the coming months of the 2026/27 season, particularly as the new corn crop enters the market.

Against the backdrop of these talks, Poland has again raised the issue of so-called “technical grain” imported from Ukraine in 2022–2023. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Rzeszów has extended its investigation into possible violations until September 24, 2026. The case involves wheat, corn, rapeseed and soybeans declared for technical use but which may have entered food and feed markets.

According to Poland’s Supreme Audit Office, around 103 thsd tons of grain declared for technical use were imported from Ukraine between January 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023, accounting for just over 3% of total Ukrainian grain imports during the period. Another 126.1 thsd tons of rapeseed and turnip rape declared for technical use were imported, representing 17.2% of corresponding imports from Ukraine.

Imports of certain Ukrainian agricultural products directly into the Polish market remain banned, while transit through Poland is permitted. The key issue in the talks is therefore whether Ukrainian grain transit through Poland to third countries can be increased without putting additional pressure on Polish port infrastructure and the domestic agricultural market.

Tags: imports, grain transportation, Ukraine, grain, Poland