Ambassadors from European Union countries reached an agreement regarding Ukrainian grain, extending tariff-free trade until June 2025. However, this extension comes with stricter conditions compared to previous agreements, reflecting a more hardened stance by EU member states. Certain agricultural products, including poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, corn, oat groats and honey, will now face tariffs if their exports surpass average volumes from the past three years. Additionally, measures were introduced to address market disruptions, potentially allowing individual member states to implement bans if needed.
The newly reached compromise extends the reference period to the second half of 2021 and excludes wheat from the list of sensitive products, potentially deepening economic losses for Ukrainian producers. Despite this agreement, further negotiations with the European Parliament and ratification are still required. If approved, this extension will be the final one, as EU leaders have tasked the European Commission with finding a long-term solution within the framework of the EU/Ukraine Association Agreement.
The curbs are due to start on June 6, when tariff-free access for Ukrainian imports is renewed for a further year.
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