EBA called on the government to prevent an increase in grain exports from Russia through Baltic ports

EBA calls on the Ukrainian government to prevent the expansion of Russian agricultural exports through the ports of the Baltic Sea by strengthening diplomatic work.

This was reported to USM by the press service of the European Business Association (EBA).

The association called on the government to strengthen diplomatic work with the Baltic countries and EU institutions in view of the potential increase in Russian agricultural exports through the ports of the Baltic Sea.

In particular, the EBA emphasized that due to the complications of the operation of the ports of the Black and Azov Seas, Russian exporters may redirect the flows of grain, oilseeds and their processed products to the ports of the Baltic region for further access to international markets.

“Of particular concern is the potential risk of re-labeling, mixing or concealing the origin of agricultural products, in particular those that may come from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. For the Ukrainian agricultural sector, the issue also has a direct economic dimension. Ukraine and Russia are competing for access to world grain and oilseed markets. Therefore, it is important to prevent the formation of a new logistics infrastructure that would allow Russia to circumvent restrictions and increase competitive pressure on Ukrainian producers and exporters,” the EBA noted.

The Association also draws attention to the fact that some countries in the Baltic region are already considering the possibility of strengthening control and restricting the transit of Russian agricultural products.

“Business considers it important that Ukraine supports such initiatives and promotes their coordination at the EU level,” the experts emphasized.

As previously reported by USM, Ukraine can export up to 20 million tons of grain through the Baltic ports.