Bulgaria’s import restriction on Ukrainian sunflower seeds confirms extension

The extension of Bulgaria's import ban on Ukrainian sunflower seed (SFS) until the end of November has been confirmed. Yet, the expectancy of Ukrainian companies remains optimistic as they persistently secure deals with Bulgarian purchasers in anticipation of trade resuming in December. The pressing needs of the local crushing industry substantiate this anticipatory stance.

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The prolongation of the import prohibition stems from a concord between Bulgaria's government and the Farmers' Initiative Committee, as per information from Bulgaria's agriculture ministry. Subsequent to the enforcement of a licensing regime for products such as SFS, wheat, corn, and rapeseed, Bulgaria is projected to revoke the ban on imports from Ukraine this December, aligning with a plan mutually consented to by Ukraine and the European Commission.

Although the Bulgarian government had previously articulated that the resumption of Ukrainian SFS imports would be postponed until an agreement on a quota with Ukraine was reached, Ukrainian farmers remain hopeful for access to the Bulgarian market, particularly in light of a substantial depreciation in local prices in the preceding month. With Bulgaria ranking as the second-largest importer of Ukrainian SFS in the 2022-23 marketing year and the local production being unable to meet the demands from the crushing industry, Bulgarian processors manifest a keen interest in Ukraine's SFS imports.

The local crushing capacity in Bulgaria surpasses local production, elucidating a dependence on imports to sustain the industry, as conveyed by Ukraine's oil and fat industry and reiterated by Oleksandr Solovey, Chief Commercial Officer of Kyiv-based Spike Brokers.

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Ongoing transactions for SFS exports to Bulgaria from Ukrainian companies are being noted despite the protraction of the import prohibition. Expectations from Ukroliyaprom anticipate Ukraine's exports of SFS to Bulgaria to ascend to a minimum of 500,000t in the current marketing season, signifying an intricate dynamic between regulatory frameworks, industrial needs, and international cooperation in the agricultural trade landscape.

According to the article by Procurement Resource, the extension of Bulgaria's ban on Ukrainian sunflower seed (SFS) imports until November end unveils a multifaceted agricultural trade scenario, embodying a blend of regulatory, industrial, and international dynamics. Despite the prevailing import prohibition arising from a pact between Bulgaria's government and the Farmers' Initiative Committee, Ukrainian entities maintain a positive outlook, securing deals with Bulgarian buyers and envisaging a December trade revival.