Polish edible oil producers ask the government to lift the embargo on Ukrainian rapeseed imports

Polish edible oil producers are asking the Polish government to lift the embargo on Ukrainian rapeseed imports introduced in 2023, which is due to a lower harvest than in previous years.

The Polish government is still monitoring the situation and will not rush to make decisions, Ukrinform reports with reference to Money.pl.

As noted, the Polish Association of Oilseed Producers (PSPO), which represents 95% of the industry, has appealed to the head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, with a request to change the order banning the import of Ukrainian rapeseed into Poland. They warn of a possible shortage of raw materials in the 2025-2026 season, which could reach at least 500 thousand tons, and this poses a threat to the operation of local seed processing plants. They emphasize that enterprises are already experiencing a shortage of raw materials this season.

Industry representatives emphasize that the current situation puts Polish companies at a disadvantage compared to other EU countries, as they can purchase Ukrainian rapeseed without restrictions. At the same time, Poland is allowed to import finished oil, which, they say, harms local producers.

PSPO emphasizes that the lifting of the ban will not harm Polish farmers, as domestic rapeseed will still be purchased at European prices. At the same time, if there are concerns about an excess of rapeseed imports from Ukraine, quantitative restrictions can be introduced to balance the market.

The Association emphasizes that the export infrastructure from Ukraine has already changed significantly since 2022, and mass imports of rapeseed to Poland will not occur again.

Meanwhile, the Polish Ministry of Development and Technology does not yet plan to lift the ban on the import of rapeseed or introduce limits by amending the order from 2023. The ministry explained that they are waiting for the completion of negotiations on changing the terms of the trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine and are monitoring the temporary terms of trade between the EU and Ukraine, which have been in effect since June 6.

As is known, since April 15, 2023, Poland has been banning the import of grain (wheat, corn, rapeseed, sunseed) from Ukraine into Poland.

Polish farmers blocked the border with Ukraine in several places from February to April last year. At that time, their demands concerned the Polish government’s refusal from the European Green Deal and the blockade of the import of various types of agricultural products from Ukraine.

Tags: Ukraine, Poland, rapeseed, restrictions