EU imposes tariffs on Ukrainian sugar and eggs over import surge
The European Union has imposed duties on sugar and eggs from Ukraine, activating an "automatic safeguard measure" as the volume of imports has already exceeded the agreed amount, according to the EUR-Lex.
Duties of 89 euros per ton will be in effect until the end of 2024. For the first half of 2025, quotas are set for sugar and eggs. Volumes that exceed these quotas will also be subject to duties.
As noted in the report, the EU Regulation as of May 14, 2024 provides for an automatic safeguard measure for eggs, poultry, sugar, oats, maize, groats, and honey, "that is to be activated if the cumulative import volumes of any of those products since 1 January 2024 in a specific period reach the respective arithmetic mean of import volumes recorded in the period from 1 July to 31 December 2021, in 2022 and in 2023."
Restrictions in case of import growth
In June 2022, the EU temporarily suspended some tariffs under the Association Agreement with Ukraine. Following massive protests by European farmers who are unable to compete with Ukrainian products, a political decision was made to impose restrictions. These measures were promoted mainly by France and Poland.
In April, the European Parliament approved a one-year extension of duty-free trade for Ukrainian agricultural products, while introducing new restrictions on imports. This will be the last revision. The EU and Ukraine intend to conclude a long-term agreement starting in June 2025.