Agricultural associations in Ukraine have appealed to President Volodymyr Zelensky to refrain from signing a law that proposes the introduction of export duties on soybeans and rapeseed. They emphasize that similar measures in 2017–2020 already led to a significant reduction in the areas planted with these crops and caused substantial losses to the agricultural sector.
This is reported by Business • Media
Consequences of Implementing Duties for the Agricultural Sector
According to agrarians, during the previous duties, soybean plantings decreased by 34% — to 1.32 million hectares, and annual losses in the sector reached approximately 110 million dollars. Small and medium-sized agricultural producers are particularly vulnerable to these changes, as they cultivate over 75% of the sown areas in Ukraine. Most of them do not have the capacity to export independently, which complicates the preservation of profitability under the new customs restrictions.
Support for Producers from the Agribusiness Holding
In response to the anticipated introduction of export duties, the agribusiness holding “Agrotrade” has presented a support program for soybean and rapeseed producers. The company is ready to assist agrarians in accessing foreign markets without intermediaries, maintaining producers’ profitability. Under conditions of independent export, agricultural producers will be exempt from paying duties. Additionally, “Agrotrade” provides comprehensive support for export agreements, and participation in the program is open to representatives from all regions of Ukraine. The minimum batch volume for participation is 200 tons.
“Agrarians reminded that Ukraine has already had a similar experience in 2017−2020, which led to a sharp reduction in the areas planted with these crops.”