A recent review of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area has resulted in significant changes for poultry exports, with Ukraine seeing its quota raised notably for both poultry and egg products.
Boost in Export Quotas
The updated agreement allows Ukraine to increase its poultry export quota to the EU from 90,000 tonnes to 120,000 tonnes annually. Meanwhile, the egg export quota will see an impressive threefold increase from 6,000 tonnes to 18,000 tonnes.
In return, Ukraine will permit duty-free imports of 120,000 tonnes of poultry meat, a substantial rise from the current 20,000 tonnes.
EU’s Assurance on Market Stability
The European Council, in its announcement on October 13, stressed that market access for sensitive products like sugar, poultry, eggs, and more will remain restricted and gradual. Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen commented on the mutual benefits of eliminating customs duties, suggesting it will foster strong economic stability and trade relations while aiding Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
Concerns From Neighboring Nations
Despite the anticipated benefits, several countries including Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania expressed strong opposition to the new trade arrangement. Concerns have been raised regarding potential destabilization of European agricultural markets due to increased Ukrainian imports. Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture state secretary József Viszki emphasized the lack of assurances to protect Hungarian farmers’ interests against this influx.
Rising Demand for Ukrainian Poultry
In the first eight months of 2025, Ukrainian poultry exports to the EU reached $716 million, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year, as reported by the Ukrainian Union of Poultry Farmers. The Netherlands emerged as the leading importer, accounting for 15.9% of deliveries, followed closely by Saudi Arabia (14.8%), the UK (10.6%), and Slovakia (6.8%). Overall, the EU accounted for 28.2% of total Ukrainian poultry exports, purchasing 83,100 tonnes.
Support for Ukrainian Poultry Producers
In an effort to bolster the poultry industry in Ukraine, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has taken steps to support recovery in the sector. The EBRD provided a guarantee of $5 million for a new loan of $12.256 million from its partner bank, Credit Agricole Ukraine, to Dniprovska Group, the second-largest poultry producer in the country. This funding aims to help Dniprovska Group recover from the significant setbacks caused by the ongoing conflict that has affected its production facilities and land.
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