Poland, Hungary and Slovakia extend ban on Ukrainian grain

Restrictions on certain key agricultural imports from Ukraine will remain in place in Poland, Hungary and Slovakia, despite the EU Commission confirming on 15 September that these restrictions had been lifted.

The temporary measures were first imposed on Ukrainian imports on 2 May by five EU member states, due to domestic markets in eastern Europe becoming saturated.

Solidarity lanes allowing the safe passage of grains are due to remain in place through these countries to other destinations.

See also: Wheat prices strengthened by lower global production

Jenny Brunton, senior European policy adviser at the British Agriculture Bureau, said: “Hungary banned the import of 24 Ukrainian products such as grains, rapeseed, sunflower seeds, certain meat products, honey and eggs.

“Poland moved to exclude Ukrainian agricultural imports indefinitely and to expand the list of banned products, while Slovakia maintained the previous ban of grains.”

Ukraine is due to file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization against all three countries in response to these restrictions being imposed.

Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s prime minister, said: “Last week, the EU Commission lifted restrictions on imports of Ukrainian food. Unfortunately, our western neighbours – Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary – have unilaterally imposed a blockade.

“This is a blow to our economy, to the very principles of the European Union, and to global food security.”

Domestic market

UK feed wheat futures opened at £187.95/t on 19 September for the November contract, up marginally on the week.

During July, UK grain exports were back on year-earlier levels, according to HMRC figures, with the 2023-24 campaign getting off to a slower start.

Analysts say the delayed harvest may have restricted sales so far during the new crop year.

Markets remain neutral in the short term, with the UK remaining fairly uncompetitive for exports, according to traders.