Association "Svinari of Ukraine" against increasing quotas on the EU pork imports a zero customs rate

In 2021, the conditions of the free trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU will be revised. Given the crisis situation in domestic pig farming, Association “Svinari of Ukraine” opposes increasing quotas for the supply of pork to Ukraine at a zero customs rate and stands out for, if possible, reducing quotas.

Over the past 5 years, according to the Agreement on association between Ukraine and the EU, foreign trade in pork in both directions amounted to 20 thousand Mt per year of fresh, chilled or frozen pork at the preferential zero duty. However, during the validity of the Agreement, deliveries were carried out only unilaterally: from the EU to Ukraine. Export of pork and pig products from Ukraine to the EU is prohibited due to African swine fever (ASF), which was registered in Ukraine for the first time in 2012.

In conditions when the domestic producer is operating at a loss, all measures must be taken to protect him. One of the key positions is to limit access to the domestic market of foreign origin pork imports on privileged terms (without paying a fee). Association “Svinari of Ukraine” provided its justified position in an appeal to the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine.

SOURCE: Association “Svinari of Ukraine”