Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created a grain problem that turned into a global food crisis. After a long period of no shipments from Black Sea ports, the problem was resolved in Istanbul and a grain agreement was signed. There are currently some problems with neighboring countries, which can be called the Ukraine grain export crisis, so what is the latest situation now? Let’s take a closer look.
April 15th, 2023 – Poland banned the import of grains from Ukraine
As specified, the ban applies to the import from Ukraine of grain, oilseeds and other agricultural products, both plant and animal origin. Also, this ban will apply to transit cargo from Ukraine through the territory of Poland.
It is not clear how long the ban will be in effect.
At the same time, Poland is ready to resolve the issue of Ukrainian grain supplies by signing an appropriate interstate agreement.
April 16th, 2023 – Hungary banned the import of grains from Ukraine
Hungary, following Poland, introduced a ban on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products into the country. This ban will be valid till June 30th of the current year.
The Minister of Agriculture of Hungary explained the introduction of restrictions by the lack of significant measures to support local producers from the EU. According to him, the status quo in the import of agricultural products from Ukraine will cause serious damage to local farmers.
April 17th – Slovakia will suspend imports of Ukrainian grain and certain categories of food products
Thus, Slovakia will become the third EU country to introduce restrictions on the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products.
In this regard, representatives of the European Union are planning to discuss this problem this week. Low global prices and demand mean that grain remains in the bloc rather than being sold further.
The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine regrets the decision taken by their EU colleagues to temporarily restrict exports of Ukrainian products.
Actually, the decisions of the neighbouring countries contradict our agreements between Ukraine and the European Union. A week ago, they agreed that four crops (wheat, corn, sunflower seeds and rapeseed) will go through Poland in transit until July 1, 2023. Last week, they reached a number of agreements on the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of agriculture and solving logistics problems and agreed on the text of the Memorandum of Understanding, According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, at present, the solution of various kinds of issues by unilateral cardinal actions will not accelerate a positive solution to the situation.