Polish vegetable oil producers urge end to Ukrainian rapeseed import ban amid supply shortage

Polish vegetable oil producers are urging the government to lift the ban on rapeseed imports from Ukraine, introduced in May 2023, citing a lower domestic harvest compared to previous years, Ukrinform reports citing Money.pl.

The Polish government is currently monitoring the situation and is in no rush to make any decisions.

The Polish Association of Oil Producers (PSPO), which represents 95% of the sector, has appealed to Prime Minister Donald Tusk to reconsider the existing import ban. Processors warn of a potential raw material shortage of at least 500,000 tons in the 2025/26 season, which could jeopardise the stable operation of processing facilities.

PSPO emphasises that the deficit is already being felt this season. The continued import restrictions put Polish processors at a disadvantage compared to other EU countries, which can still freely purchase Ukrainian rapeseed. Meanwhile, Poland does allow imports of finished products, such as oil, which PSPO says increases pressure on the domestic processing industry.

The association argues that lifting the ban would not harm Polish farmers, as their rapeseed will remain in demand at market prices. In case of excess imports, they propose the use of quotas to balance the market.

PSPO also notes that since 2022, Ukraine’s export logistics have significantly changed, making a repeat of the large inflows of rapeseed into Poland unlikely.

Meanwhile, Poland’s Ministry of Economic Development and Technology has stated it currently does not plan to amend the 2023 regulation — neither to lift the ban nor to introduce new restrictions. The government is monitoring ongoing EU–Ukraine trade talks and the temporary trade regime that came into effect on June 6.