Turkey, Ukraine's largest buyer of wheat and barley, introduces a 130% import tariff on grain

Turkey, the largest buyer of Ukrainian wheat and barley, is introducing an import tariff on wheat, barley, and corn from 1 May this year. Source: Turkey's official newspaper T.C. Official Gazette.

The duty rate from 1 May will be 130% instead of the current 0%. This measure is aimed at protecting domestic producers on the eve of the new season. According to the State Customs Service, Turkey was the largest exporter of Ukrainian wheat in the first quarter of this year, which was supplied for US£168.8 million, or 17.7% of all its exports; in particular, in March 2023, the sum amounted to US£70.9 million, or 20.5%.

Barley was imported from Ukraine to Turkey in the first quarter of this year for US£52.7 million, or 42.1% of all exports of this crop; in particular, in March, the sum equaled US£17.3 million, or 38.8%.

The introduction of the customs duty by Turkey is taking place amidst the ban on the import of Ukrainian agricultural products by four EU countries. About ten days ago, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Bulgaria temporarily limited the import of grain from Ukraine. These countries justified such steps, among other things, by the problems of their own farmers due to favourable competition from Ukrainian products.

Transit of goods through eastern EU countries is still possible. Currently, the EU seeks a single solution for this situation. Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!

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