31 Oct 2024 17:35

Berlin admits to have increased Ukrainian grain imports, but does not call it problem

MOSCOW. Oct 31 (Interfax) - The German government has confirmed an increase in Ukrainian grain imports in recent years but denied their negative impact on the domestic market, Ukrainian media said, citing the industry outlet Wochenblatt.

"Grain imports started growing in 2022 [...]. Germany's imports of Ukrainian feed and food grain reached its peak of about 741,000 tonnes in recent years. The volumes neared 490,000 tonnes in the first half of 2024," the report said.

Corn accounts for the largest share in imports. In January-June 2024, Germany imported about 447,000 tonnes of corn, versus 619,000 in 2023. However, wheat imports had decreased from almost 106,000 tonnes in 2023 to only 16,500 tonnes in January-July 2024. Wheat imports fluctuated between 6,000 and 2,000 tonnes before the crisis.

The government said it had no information about any inconsistencies with the requirements and standards revealed in Ukrainian grain checks by the German food and feed authorities. It said that food and feed imported to the EU from third countries, such as Ukraine, must comply with the respective EU legislation.

The information was provided in the government's response to questions from the Alternative for Germany parliamentary faction.