The European Union has introduced new import quotas for Ukrainian wheat and sugar imports, which will reduce shipments by 70-80% to protect EU farmers from market disruptions. The decision follows protests by EU farmers over a surge in agricultural imports from Ukraine since trade restrictions were relaxed in 2022.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has suspended duties and quotas to aid Ukrainian food exports. However, the influx of Ukrainian cereals, sugar, and poultry has raised alarm among EU farmers struggling with rising production expenses and stricter environmental rules.

Under the updated trade deal, the European Union will cap annual Ukrainian wheat imports at 1.3 million metric tons, representing a 30% increase over pre-war quotas, a sharp decline from the 4.5 to 6.5 million tons previously imported without restrictions. Similarly, sugar imports from Ukraine will be limited to 100,000 tons, a fivefold rise from the pre-war ceiling of 20,000 tons, but still below the quota-free volumes that had surpassed 400,000 tons.

EU officials emphasized that the new measures aim to strike a balance between supporting Ukraine and addressing the financial challenges confronting farmers across the European Union.

The revised quotas will also raise the limits on Ukrainian barley and poultry imports. Barley will be constrained to 450,000 tons, matching last season’s volume, while poultry imports will be set at 120,000 tons.

The updated trade deal, which encompasses 40 essential goods, is pending approval by the majority of EU member states. It also grants individual countries the authority to implement additional protective measures if Ukrainian imports disrupt domestic markets.

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