EU bans import of four Ukrainian agri products into border EU countries until June 5

Preventative measures imposed to address concerns of local farmers in neighboring EU member states

The European Commission has suspended imports of several agriculture products from Ukraine until June 5, it said in an official statement late Tuesday, May 2.

The Commission has implemented a ban on the import of key agriculture products from Ukraine, including wheat, corn, rapeseeds and sunflower seeds to the five so-called frontline EU bloc members – Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia – from May 2 to June 5.

But for the other EU member states, the Ukraine-origin agriculture products are free for circulation and import. The frontlines countries remain open for export to other EU countries or outside the bloc.

“In parallel, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have committed to lift their unilateral measures on wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed and any other products coming from Ukraine,” the statement said.

The Commission is ready to reimpose preventive measures after the expiration period on June 5 if the “exceptional” situation continues, it also said.

“While addressing concerns of farmers in those member states neighboring Ukraine, the measures uphold the EU’s strong commitment to support Ukraine and preserve its capabilities to export its grains which are critical to feed the world and keep food prices down, in the face of the huge challenges posed by the unprovoked Russian aggression,” the statement also said.

Prior to that, the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee agreed last week to extend the suspension of EU import duties on Ukrainian exports of agriculture products, processed products, fruits and vegetables for another year to support the country’s economy during the war with Russia.

But the extension is yet to be approved by the European Parliament (MEPs) – a session is scheduled over May 8-11 – and it will be also a subject for approval by the European Council.

What to read next
French milling wheat exports from the port of Rouen reached their greatest volume in the past 16 weeks, with 87,000 tonnes of milling wheat exported in the week to March 26, according to data released by French port operator Haropa on Thursday, March 27. While the 87,000 tonnes is a relatively large volume of weekly […]
As US-China trade tensions intensify, Fastmarkets outlines the key challenges and opportunities for the Asian ferro-alloys sector ahead of the Asia Ferroalloys 2025 Conference.
Falling alumina prices, geopolitics and a volatile aluminium market will be the hot topics during the Fastmarkets’ annual Bauxite & Alumina Conference, taking place in Miami, Florida on April 2-4.
The European Commission is considering delaying a first set of countermeasures to US tariffs on aluminium and steel until mid-April, EU trade chief Maroš Šefcovic said on Thursday, March 20. The measures, announced on March 12, cover a wide range of agricultural and industrial goods including potentially some wood products, pulp, paper and board. The […]
This article examines trends in CIF aluminium scrap prices and import volumes across Southeast Asia, offering insights into critical market dynamics. It highlights both challenges and opportunities in the aluminium trade to support stakeholders in making strategic decisions.
China's recent export controls on critical materials, including bismuth, are driving significant price disparities between bismuth oxide and metal in Europe. This development is reshaping market dynamics and posing challenges for industries reliant on these materials.