Polish oil producers ask to lift embargo on Ukrainian rapeseed

Polish oil producers are asking the Polish government to lift the embargo on Ukrainian rapeseed imports due to a shortage of their own.

This is due to a lower crop yield than in previous years, Ukrinform reports.

In turn, the Polish government is still “monitoring the situation” and is in no hurry to make a decision.

The Polish Association of Oilseed Producers (PSPO), which represents 95% of the industry, has appealed to the head of the Polish government, Donald Tusk, with a request to change the order banning the import of Ukrainian rapeseed to Poland. Producers are warning of a possible shortage of raw materials in the 2025-2026 season, which could reach at least 500 thousand tons — this threatens the work of local seed processing plants. The PSPO emphasized that enterprises are already experiencing a shortage of raw materials this season.

Industry representatives note that under current conditions, Polish companies are at a disadvantage compared to enterprises in other EU countries that can freely import Ukrainian rapeseed. At the same time, the import of finished oil into Poland is permitted, which, according to producers, negatively affects the local processing industry.

The PSPO emphasizes that the lifting of import restrictions will not harm Polish farmers, since the entire domestic rapeseed harvest will be sold at market, European prices. At the same time, in case of concern about excessive imports of Ukrainian rapeseed, quantitative quotas can be established to regulate the market situation.

The Association also notes that Ukraine’s export infrastructure has been significantly transformed since 2022, so a repeat of large-scale imports of rapeseed to Poland is not expected.

In turn, the Polish Ministry of Development and Technology is not currently considering options for lifting the embargo on rapeseed imports or introducing quotas, and does not plan to change the current order from 2023. The department reported that they are waiting for the completion of negotiations on updating the terms of the trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU, and are also monitoring the temporary trade rules that have been in effect since June 6.