December 5, 2023

European Commission acknowledges risks in imports of Ukrainian poultry and eggs

The European Commission asserts that overall trade from Ukraine to the European Union is functioning smoothly, but admits to "some risk" in certain sectors, particularly in poultry and eggs, where imports could potentially drive down prices and pose a threat to local production, Euractiv reported.

Pierre Bascou, the Commission's deputy director for agriculture, addressed concerns raised by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) during a meeting of the European Parliament's agriculture committee. Bascou acknowledged that while there are no significant adverse developments in the EU agricultural market, the Commission has identified vulnerabilities and risks in specific sectors, closely monitoring them.

The temporary lifting of restrictions on Ukrainian imports in June 2022, prompted by Russia's invasion, resulted in a surge of Ukrainian goods entering the EU market, leading to decreased prices, particularly in frontline countries such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. Despite cereals and oilseeds constituting the majority of imports, MEPs highlighted the substantial increase in agricultural products like poultry and eggs.

Centre-right MEP Norbert Lins pointed out a 150% rise in Ukrainian poultry meat exports to the EU compared to pre-war levels and a 100% increase in egg exports. Bascou attributed the decline in EU egg production to rising input costs and the impact of avian flu outbreaks, coupled with heightened consumer demand.

While the EU maintains its status as one of the world's largest poultry meat producers and net exporters, concerns have been raised about declining competitiveness. The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade in the EU (AVEC) expresses worry over rising imports not only from Ukraine but also from Brazil and Thailand.

The European Commission confirmed that national bans on Ukrainian imports remain in Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, implemented unilaterally in September. EU Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis engaged with Slovak deputy prime minister Peter Kmec to discuss ways to de-escalate the situation, emphasising the need to improve "solidarity lanes," alternative land routes established by the EU for Kyiv to export grain and oilseeds after Russia withdrew from a UN-brokered Black Sea deal allowing safe passage for cargo ships.

-      Euractiv