EU Lifts Grain Export Ban on Ukraine as Neighboring Countries Maintain Own Restrictions

Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary have introduced their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports after the European Commission decided not to extend its ban on imports into Ukraine's five EU neighbors. The ban was initially imposed to prevent a flood of grains and oilseeds into neighboring countries, which reduced prices and impacted local farmers' income. The EU ban expired after Ukraine pledged to tighten control of exports. However, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary argue that their actions are in the interests of their economies. The bans only apply to domestic imports and do not affect transit to onward markets.