Romania is preparing a mechanism to restrict grain imports from Ukraine and Moldova: What it means for the agricultural sector

Romanian Minister of Agriculture Florin Barbu announced his intention to restrict grain imports from Ukraine and Moldova, giving access to them only to Romanian farmers and processors on the basis of special licenses.

According to the European Pravda publication, Barbu posted his message on Facebook.

The Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has drafted a decree that defines the rules and conditions for importing agricultural products from Ukraine and Moldova.

According to these rules, Romanian companies will be able to import only four types of goods - wheat, corn, sunflower seeds, and rapeseed - from Ukraine and Moldova after obtaining permission from the ministry.

Barbu emphasized that this initiative is aimed at protecting Romanian agriculture and farmers.

Romania is among the European Union countries that have experienced a sharp increase in imports of Ukrainian grain since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, causing distortions in local markets and protests by farmers.

Earlier this year, the EU imposed a temporary restriction on imports of Ukrainian grain until September 15, but allowed the transit of these goods through its territory.

In response to these restrictions, Ukraine proposed to the European Commission and five countries an export control plan for four crop groups-wheat, corn, sunflower, and rapeseed-to protect their domestic markets.

However, some countries, in particular Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, imposed unilateral restrictions on imports of Ukrainian grain, which led to Ukraine's complaints to the World Trade Organization.