Poland Hints At Unilateral Ban On Ukraine's Agricultural Products

News in brief: Poland may introduce its own ban on Ukrainian agricultural products if the European Union decides not to extend the current protective measure. The ban, aimed at protecting Polish farmers, could be reinstated after the initial ban expires on September 15, 2023.

In announcement by Polish minister, Robert Telus, the country has hinted that it will introduce its own unilateral ban on agricultural products from Ukraine.

It comes as the European Union considers not extending the protective measure already in place. He said that a ban will be in effect again if needs be, after an initial one on April 15.

He made the statement during a meeting of EU agriculture ministers on July 25, adding that the move is to protect the country’s farmers.

The initial ban on select Ukrainian agricultural goods is expected to come to an end on September 15, 2023. It involves trade restrictions on wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seeds. Poland and other frontline countries put in place after an influx of Ukrainian agricultural products put pressure on their farmers.

A coalition of EU member states are determined to see the ban extended until the end of the year. These countries include Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. However, six other member states - Denmark, Germany, France, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Latvia - reportedly oppose the move.

Mr. Telus, however, clarified that his country will continue to support the transit of Ukrainian agricultural goods through Poland and would only block imports into Poland.

Ukraine’s poultry and soft fruits exports are also causing major concerns for European farmers, according to the EU’s Agriculture Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski. He hinted that extending safeguard measures for the products and local markets could be a good option.

Meanwhile, Telus stressed that the financial support for Polish farmers is not enough as the government has spent about €230 million to support farmers while the Eu has only provided them with about €80 million so far.