EU tariffs from before the war now apply again to Ukrainian agricultural exports

The temporary preferential treatment that Ukraine had for the export of agricultural goods since the Russian invasion ends today. Brussels is working on a new arrangement, but it is sensitive because farmers from neighboring countries fear unfair competition.

Since 2022, there have been no import tariffs or quotas for products such as grain, chicken, and sugar from Ukraine. With this measure, the European Union wanted to give Ukraine's economy a boost. Ukrainian farmers could no longer easily sell their products, partly because Russian warships blocked the export route via the Black Sea.

The money Ukraine earns from grain sales is indispensable in the fight against Russia, the European Commission said at the time. Also because the income is used to keep the Ukrainian army operational.