EU tariffs return for Ukraine farm exports
The EU plans to significantly increase tariffs on Ukrainian goods after the current duty-free agreement expires on June 6, according to The Kyiv Independent, which cited the Financial Times.
The move follows Poland's call for the European bloc to adopt measures to protect European farmers, according to the publication.
The EU concluded a duty-free trade agreement with Ukraine in 2022 to support the Ukrainian economy amidst the full-scale war with Russia and help the country ship its goods, mainly agricultural products, to global markets.
This sparked protests among farmers across Europe, particularly in Poland, who complained that the influx of cheaper Ukrainian grain, poultry, eggs, and other products was driving down prices and harming their livelihoods.
Polish media reported in February that the EU does not intend to extend the preferential trade agreement framework in its current form beyond the June expiry date and is considering a new set of rules.
The subsequent transition period would significantly reduce the duty-free quota for Ukrainian agricultural products, which are the main export commodity, the Financial Times reported.
This development comes as Polish truckers launched a brief blockade at one of the Ukrainian border crossings over what they consider unfair competition from Ukrainian carriers. It also occurs shortly before the presidential elections in Poland, with leading right-wing candidate Karol Nawrocki adopting increasingly tough rhetoric towards Kyiv.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
