Poland is ready to ban the import of grain from Ukraine starting from 15 September. Poland is also in conversation with Slovakia and Romania to have them adopt a similar policy. Robert Telus, the Polish Agriculture Minister, declared that such a proposal is in the interest of Polish farmers. 

Telus announced the possibility of a unilateral ban in a press conference. According to Interfax-Ukraine, there is no room for discussion over the interest of Polish farmers, “If it is necessary to introduce unilateral bans, we will introduce them, because we are concerned about the interests of farmers, and there is no discussion on this topic,” said Telus.

However, the transit of the grain would still be preserved. This could leave some window for grain exported via the Baltic corridor even if the ban comes into force. As Telus stated, “We are in dialogue with Ukraine, as well as with Lithuania and Latvia, in order to use their ports”.

Baltic corridor possibility

The discussion concerning the possibilities of exporting Ukrainian agricultural products keeps unfolding. Latvia insists that the Baltic route can work and that Latvian railway infrastructure and ports could accommodate between half and one million tons of grain volumes annually. Moreover, grain transport via Latvia could commence as soon as September.

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