EU cuts Ukrainian wheat and sugar quotas, pushing Kyiv to new markets

The European Union will drastically reduce imports of Ukrainian wheat and sugar, by up to 80%—to protect its farmers, a move expected to shift Ukraine's exports toward Asia and Africa.

The new quotas, confirmed Friday, mark a reversal of wartime trade liberalization that saw the EU waive duties and quotas for Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion.

The new annual wheat quota is set at 1.3 million metric tons down significantly from the 4.5–6.5 million tons imported duty-free in recent years. For sugar, the EU will allow 100,000 tons annually—well below the over 500,000 tons imported in 2023/24.

Brussels says the changes are meant to stabilize European markets, as local farmers protest rising costs, relaxed rules for Ukrainian goods, and looming trade deals with other blocs. 

The move could force Ukrainian producers to look toward North Africa and Asia to make up for lost EU sales.

Other changes include barley imports capped at 450,000 tons and poultry raised to 120,000 tons. The revised trade rules still need final approval from EU member states and allow for further national measures if quotas destabilize local markets.

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