Ukrainian sugar imports to EU surge tenfold
Imports of sugar from Ukraine to the European Union have surged tenfold in the past season, reaching 413,000 tons, according to data published by the European Commission.
This trend is continuing, and Brazil has lost its position as the largest supplier to the bloc.
"The share of Ukrainian sugar imports in total EU imports rose from 16% to 38% in November, while Brazil's share fell from 32% to 8%," Radio Romania Actualitati reports.
Data from Brussels shows that almost a third of the imports went to Romania, followed by Poland, Italy, Hungary, and Bulgaria. The price of a ton of sugar reached a new all-time high in October, reaching 810 euros, up 255 euros from last year.
"Like other raw materials, the EU has waived customs duties on imports of Ukrainian sugar following the start of the Russian invasion, which has generated a wave of criticism from local producers who complain about unfair competition," the report states.
Sugar beet growers in France have called for Ukrainian sugar to be re-exported outside Europe in order not to harm local producers.
"Imports of sugar from Ukraine to the bloc could reach 700,000-800,000 tons in the 2023-2024 season, the French Sugar Beet Growers Association (CGB) said at a press conference on Tuesday. The amount would be almost double the imports from the previous season," Reuters reports.
"We need a clear answer from the European Commission on how it will manage this influx of sugar in the future," CGB stressed.
The surge in Ukrainian sugar imports is due to the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted the country's agricultural production.
Ukraine is a major producer of sugar beets, and the war has led to a decline in production and exports.
The EU has waived customs duties on imports of Ukrainian sugar to help the country's economy.
However, the move has been criticised by local producers who say it is unfair.
The CGB has called for the EU to impose quotas on imports of Ukrainian sugar.
The Commission is yet to announce its plans for managing the influx of Ukrainian sugar.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
