Polish processors criticize continued ban on Ukrainian rapeseed despite raw material shortage

Polish oilseed processors have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to maintain its import ban on Ukrainian rapeseed, arguing that the restrictions are unjustified amid a shortage of raw materials on the domestic market. Adam Stępień, Director General of the Polish Oil Producers Association, told farmer.pl that although the country’s processing sector is in good condition, domestic rapeseed supply is insufficient to meet industrial demand. He said that access to Ukrainian rapeseed could help ease the deficit.

Stępień noted that the embargo—introduced in 2023 and extended again in 2025—lacks economic justification, as the use of Ukrainian raw materials poses no risk to the market. At the same time, Ukraine’s own customs restrictions on soybeans and rapeseed are adding difficulties for Polish processors, especially given the growing shortage of soybean meal, where rapeseed plays a key role in feed production.

Poland intends to maintain its ban on importing Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seed despite updated EU trade rules. According to Stępień, such political decisions undermine sector stability and may weaken the country’s processing capacity, particularly in light of expected declines in rapeseed quality and yields in the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, Poland harvested around 3.6 million tons of rapeseed in 2025—an 11% increase from the previous year—supported by an expansion of sown area to over 1.1 million hectares. Rapeseed is the country’s third-largest crop by area after winter wheat and barley. In Ukraine, however, the 2025 harvest was hit by frost and drought, resulting in lower yields and a more limited exportable supply.

Tags: Ukraine, Poland, rapeseed, imports, restrictions