Romania expects sugar shortage after Ukraine bans its exports

UkrAgroConsult

The Ukrainian government’s decision to temporarily ban sugar imports could lead to a shortage in Romania, the largest importer. This was reported by the Romanian edition of Observator News.

Romania is the largest importer of sugar from Ukraine. From October 2022 to April 2023, it imported almost 85 thousand tons of Ukrainian sugar, which is 26 times more than in the same period last year.

Romanian sugar imports from Ukraine account for 30% of the total volume of sugar imports in the European Union.

In addition, there are currently only two sugar factories left in Romania. One of them, in the city of Ludus, has experienced financial difficulties in recent years and was rescued earlier this year.

“We had a very large contract for July, 15 thousand tons, signed with Ukraine. But the producer will no longer be able to supply this amount. We won’t be able to be present with the product for two months. Buyers can certainly expect higher prices on the shelves. There is very little product,” said Michaela Neagu, a shareholder in the factory.

Ludusha is to start producing its own sugar in September. The sugar will be made from beets supplied by 250 Romanian farmers.

As reported, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine imposed restrictions on sugar exports from June 5 to September 15.

The Ministry of Economy explained that Ukrainian exporters have exported more than 350 thousand tons of sugar and sugar products, which is 95% of the export forecast for the 2022\1023 marketing year. Therefore, this decision was made to avoid a shortage of this product in the summer and fall.

Tags: Romania, sugar, Ukraine