6 minutes agoWhy some countries temporarily ban imports from Ukraine
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)After Poland and Slovakia, Hungary also temporarily banned imports of grain from Ukraine. The EU criticises the decision on unilateral trade measures. The governments of Poland and Hungary said they took this step to protect their producers. The governments of the two countries said numerous supplies from Ukraine had caused deviation [...]
The governments of Poland and Hungary said they took this step to protect their producers. The governments of the two countries said numerous supplies from Ukraine had caused market deterioration, and the prices and sales of domestic producers had recently been lowered.
In March several Eastern European countries addressed the European Commission and reported that imports of cereals, oil seeds, eggs, birds and sugar from Ukraine had reached unprecedented levels.
They demanded that customs duties for imports of agricultural products from Ukraine be restored to this cause. However, the European Union lasted until June 2024, allowing tax-free wheat imports from Ukraine.
Market Reports Spread
The Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture explained that “the continuation of the current dynamics in the market would cause a lot of damage to Hungarian agriculture, so this dynamic should be banned with extraordinary measures”.
Hungary said the ban on imports applies to cereals, oil seeds and other agricultural products, and will at the moment stay in force until June 30th. According to the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture, Ukrainian products are offered at such cheap prices because of production processes that are no longer allowed in the EU, as well as because of their status to be excluded from customs duties in the EU. This causes them to distort market reports in Hungary and other Central European countries.
Poland banned wheat imports from Ukraine for similar reasons. Slovakia, on the other hand, had banned imports of grain from Ukraine on Friday (14.04), citing the content of Ukrainian wheat pesticides as a cause.
Ukraine said it regrets the move and wants to hold talks to resolve the issue.
EU criticises Ukrainian Import Ban
The European Union criticised the ban on wheat imports from Ukraine that established Poland, Slovakia and Hungary. The unilateral trade measures by EU member states are not allowed, the EU Commission spokesman said. Regarding Poland and Hungary's “decision, it is important to note that trade policy is the exclusive competence of the EU, and for that reason unilateral actions are not acceptable”, the EU Commission spokesman said. Especially in challenging times is it important that decisions within the EU be co-ordinated, the statement said. /dw
