EU Proposes Tariff Cap on duty-free on Ukrainian Imports Amid Farmer Protests
Source: The DairyNews
The European Commission has responded to months of protests from European farmers by proposing a cap on duty-free imports of certain Ukrainian produce, aiming to address concerns about market destabilization and unfair competition.
Under the proposal, duty-free imports of oats, eggs, poultry, and sugar fr om Ukraine could be limited, while all other Ukrainian imports into the EU would remain duty-free until at least June 2025, including wheat and barley, despite objections from farmers.
The move comes after widespread protests in Eastern Europe, wh ere farmers voiced grievances about being undercut by cheap Ukrainian agricultural products that allegedly do not meet EU standards. The duty-free imports were initially implemented to support Ukrainian agriculture following Russia's invasion.
In January, the EU announced plans for a "safeguard mechanism" to reintroduce emergency tariffs on Ukrainian imports if an excessive influx threatened market stability.
While the EU's latest proposal aims to alleviate pressure on EU farmers from a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports, many farmers' unions express dissatisfaction. Christiane Lambert of Copa-Cogeca, a European farmers' association, criticized the proposal for failing to address producers' concerns adequately.
Similarly, French farmers and officials voiced disappointment, with the French Young Farmers union stating that while the proposal is a step in the right direction, it falls short of expectations. French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau remarked that the deal should have encompassed more cereals, including wheat.
The discontent is evident as Polish farmers continue their protests, blocking roads and border crossings with tractors. The protests, ongoing since earlier this year, have prompted the EU to make concessions to address farmers' concerns, particularly regarding sustainability targets. The EU has pledged to reduce specific demands on the agricultural sector to cut net greenhouse emissions and has scrapped a proposal to halve pesticide use. Additionally, it granted a partial exemption from the rule on leaving land fallow.
The proposal will now undergo review by EU member states and the European Parliament, amidst ongoing tensions between farmers and policymakers over trade policies and agricultural standards.
The move comes after widespread protests in Eastern Europe, wh ere farmers voiced grievances about being undercut by cheap Ukrainian agricultural products that allegedly do not meet EU standards. The duty-free imports were initially implemented to support Ukrainian agriculture following Russia's invasion.
In January, the EU announced plans for a "safeguard mechanism" to reintroduce emergency tariffs on Ukrainian imports if an excessive influx threatened market stability.
While the EU's latest proposal aims to alleviate pressure on EU farmers from a sudden surge in Ukrainian imports, many farmers' unions express dissatisfaction. Christiane Lambert of Copa-Cogeca, a European farmers' association, criticized the proposal for failing to address producers' concerns adequately.
Similarly, French farmers and officials voiced disappointment, with the French Young Farmers union stating that while the proposal is a step in the right direction, it falls short of expectations. French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau remarked that the deal should have encompassed more cereals, including wheat.
The discontent is evident as Polish farmers continue their protests, blocking roads and border crossings with tractors. The protests, ongoing since earlier this year, have prompted the EU to make concessions to address farmers' concerns, particularly regarding sustainability targets. The EU has pledged to reduce specific demands on the agricultural sector to cut net greenhouse emissions and has scrapped a proposal to halve pesticide use. Additionally, it granted a partial exemption from the rule on leaving land fallow.
The proposal will now undergo review by EU member states and the European Parliament, amidst ongoing tensions between farmers and policymakers over trade policies and agricultural standards.
