Czech farmers and food producers are firmly against the continuation of the current trade relations between the European Union and Ukraine. They call for stricter import regulations, seeking a return to the conditions that prevailed before February 2022. This stance was articulated in a joint press release by the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic and the Food Chamber of the Czech Republic. They contend that the current duty-free regime jeopardizes local businesses by permitting most Ukrainian products to enter the EU market without tariffs.
Jan Doležal, president of the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic, stated, “Ukrainian agricultural production should long-term aim at traditional buyers outside the EU, not at our markets to the detriment of local entrepreneurs. It is time for the European Union to realize that only those in a strong position who do not need help can provide assistance.” Since 2022, the duty-free regime has applied to Ukrainian poultry, wheat, and sugar, with most goods being directed through the 27 member states to Africa and Asia. However, farmers and politicians in Poland, France, and other countries have noted that these imports are driving down domestic prices.
The EU, which has a free trade agreement with Ukraine, eliminated remaining fees due to the Russian invasion in 2022. These measures are set to expire on June 5, and Brussels aims to introduce transitional measures until the trade agreement is updated. The Financial Times has reported that the EU plans to significantly increase tariffs on agricultural imports from Ukraine. Nonetheless, Kyiv has cautioned that such tariffs would harm its economy and diminish trust in the EU, estimating a potential annual revenue loss of 3.5 billion euros (87.2 billion crowns) if trade conditions reverted to their pre-invasion state.
Czech food producers note that the current trade conditions have had tangible impacts, such as contributing to the closure of the sugar factory in Hrušovany this year due to cheap imports from Ukraine. Dana Večeřová, president of the Food Chamber, expressed similar concerns regarding chicken meat, warning that unregulated imports could threaten local poultry farmers. She emphasized the need to support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia but insisted that this support should not come at the expense of local businesses, unemployment, and food self-sufficiency.
The chambers also highlighted that Ukrainian producers do not adhere to the strict production and environmental standards that operate within the EU, arguing that this creates an uneven competitive landscape in the European market.
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