“Turkey imposes 130% tariff on cereal imports after EU ban on Ukrainian grain”

Turkey has imposed a 130 percent tariff on imports of some cereals, including wheat and corn, Reuters reported, citing a presidential decision published today in the Turkish State Gazette.

Turkey’s duty comes after several EU countries announced a ban on grain imports from Ukraine last week. However, some traders indicated that Turkey’s move was aimed at protecting the domestic agricultural sector ahead of key elections on May 14.

Under the previous regulation, imports of wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn and sorghum were duty-free until April 30. Today’s decision, which will take effect on May 1, imposes a 130 percent tariff on cereal imports. The wheat and barley harvest in Turkey begins in May.

Turkey reduced tariffs on imports of grain and other agricultural goods after the pandemic at the end of 2020 and stopped them about a year ago, BTA reported.

At the same time, today EU agriculture ministers will meet in Luxembourg because of the ban on the import of grain products from Ukraine. The European Commission must announce its position on the Ukrainian goods case.

Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Yavor Gechev will also participate in the meeting.

We remind you that last week the caretaker government adopted a temporary ban on the import of nearly 20 food products from Ukraine.

The transit of goods from Ukraine, intended for third countries, through the territory of Bulgaria remains permitted. From today’s decision of Europe, it will become clear whether Bulgaria’s ban will have been in force for only 1 day.

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