December 21, 2023

 

New Poland government signals continuation of Ukrainian agricultural import ban

 
 

 

The incoming Polish government, led by the Polish People's Party (PSL), has declared its intent to persist with the ban on Ukrainian agricultural imports initiated by the outgoing Law and Justice (PiS) administration back in April 2023, Politico reported.

 

Despite criticism from Ukrainian officials and European Union (EU) institutions, the PSL, set to control the agriculture ministry in Prime Minister Donald Tusk's coalition, aims not only to maintain the existing import restrictions but also to expand the list of Ukrainian products subject to the ban.

 

The ban, implemented against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, has disrupted the nation's main export earner – its wheat and corn exports.

 

The conflict has severely constrained Ukraine's ability to export grain through its traditional Black Sea ports. In response, the EU facilitated the use of solidarity lanes, including those through Poland, to help stabilise grain and oilseed prices within the EU. This measure led to challenges for farmers in bordering regions, such as Poland's Podkarpackie area, with grain silos filling up and prices dropping.

 

The European Commission has expressed concerns about the ban potentially violating EU law. The situation has led to ongoing tensions, with Polish farmers claiming that Ukrainian grain continues to enter the country unofficially.

 

Despite the challenges faced by farmers in border regions, the EU has been closely monitoring the situation, acknowledging vulnerabilities in certain agricultural sectors, including poultry and eggs.

 

-      Politico

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