Chamber Warns: Extension of Ukrainian Import Quotas Poses Risk to Czech Sugar Production

Prague – The Czech Food Chamber issued a press release today warning that the proposed increase in duty-free import quotas for select goods from Ukraine could jeopardize the country’s sugar industry. Food producers are concerned about a repeat of the recent closure of the sugar factory in Hrušovany nad Jevišovkou, attributed partly to low-cost sugar imports. Increased imports may further diminish Czech self-sufficiency in sugar and raise concerns among poultry farmers. Consequently, the chamber is urging the government to oppose any further increases in Ukrainian imports.

The chamber reports that duty-free quotas for Ukrainian imports to the EU might rise from 20,070 tons to 100,000 tons. “Should these quotas be expanded, we risk more factory closures and wasted investments, not just in the sugar sector but across other vulnerable industries,” stated the chamber’s president, Dana Večeřová.

Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný (KDU-ČSL) mentioned in Brussels on Monday that while initial outlines of the agreement are available, further clarification from the European Commission is needed. He expressed optimism that the agreement concerning the future export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU would prioritize raising production standards in Ukraine.

The chamber highlighted the impact of inexpensive imports, specifically citing sugar. The Czech Statistical Office reported that last year, sugar imports to the Czech Republic totaled 81.1 million kilograms, costing 1.7 billion crowns, with 27.9 million kilograms sourced from Ukraine, valued at 461 million crowns. This figure was a sharp increase from 3.7 million kilograms in 2021. Producers argue that even minor quantities can drastically influence domestic prices, and the proposed increase could severely affect the Czech sugar industry, threaten jobs, and reduce self-sufficiency in sugar production.

Last week, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania announced a shared stance regarding the trade agreement with Ukraine. They jointly requested the European Commission to include automatic protective measures, individual quotas, and price ceilings in the final agreement to shield their internal markets from the influx of Ukrainian agricultural imports. The Czech Republic did not align with this joint position.