Kyiv Seeks to Renegotiate EU Agricultural Export Quotas in September

Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotsky revealed that Kyiv plans to initiate renegotiations of agricultural export quotas with the European Commission beginning in September. During a meeting with industry representatives on Wednesday, Vysotsky emphasized the importance of updating and increasing quotas for sensitive agricultural items.

He urged the sector to submit clear and well-reasoned data to strengthen the negotiating position. The EU and Ukraine had previously agreed on revised volumes for agricultural products sold duty-free to the bloc in the previous year, with specific caps for 'sensitive' products such as eggs, poultry, sugar, honey, wheat, and maize.

During the meeting, Ukrainian business representatives pushed for a review of quotas related to sugar, starch, molasses, alcohol, and bioethanol. These demands originate from ongoing disruptions to Ukraine's maritime exports due to attacks on Black Sea ports, which have heightened pressure on Kyiv to seek alternative routes and broaden access to the EU market.

While quotas for poultry and sugar were increased in 2025, rising from 90,000 to 120,000 tonnes and from 20,070 to 100,000 tonnes per year, respectively, they remain below the levels before Russia's invasion. A further review of quotas is not scheduled until 2028, when the EU and Ukraine will evaluate Kyiv's alignment with EU standards on animal welfare and pesticides.

The issue of Ukrainian agricultural exports remains politically sensitive in several EU countries, notably those bordering Ukraine, such as Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, which have maintained unilateral import bans on certain Ukrainian products despite opposition from Brussels. Polish Agriculture Minister Stefan Krajewski stated that he has no plans to lift the ban on Ukrainian grain.

Ukrainian industry representatives also expressed concerns over the situation in the Black Sea and the potential of the Danube region as an alternative export route, facing challenges due to drought-induced low water levels. The government's objective, as stated by Vysotsky, is to utilize all available opportunities and maximize preferential trade terms with the EU and other global partners.

However, the Commission has not confirmed whether negotiations with Kyiv will commence in September.