Ukraine to apply to the WTO arbitration regarding Poland’s ban on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products

The ban on imports of Ukrainian grain does not comply with the rules of the World Trade Organization or the Association Agreement with the EU. Ukraine will apply to the WTO arbitration to compensate for losses. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal tweeted about this.

Shmyhal emphasized that despite the war and Russia’s blockade of its ports, Ukraine is complying with its obligations under both the Association Agreement with the EU and WTO law.

“We had no intention of harming Polish farmers and have no intention of harming them. We really appreciate the support from the Polish people and Polish families! However, in case of violation of trade law in the interests of pre-election political populism, Ukraine will be forced to apply to the WTO arbitration for compensation for violation of trade rules,” Shmyhal emphasized.

Earlier today, Poland extended its ban on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products beyond September 15.

In May, the European Union allowed Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, corn, rapeseed and sunflower seeds, while allowing the transit of such goods for export to other countries. The ban is set to expire on September 15. If the ban is not extended, it is likely that each of these countries will impose a separate embargo on agricultural products. Hungary has already announced its intention to do so.

Later, EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski supported the extension of the temporary ban on imports of Ukrainian grain to Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia until the end of 2023 and proposed to provide subsidies for Ukrainian grain exporters.

Tags: Ukraine, grain, EU, Poland, restrictions