Ukraine’s 10% export duty on soybeans and rapeseed has evolved into a stabilizing factor for the European Union rather than a barrier. Following the enactment of Law No. 4536-IX, Ukrainian farmers exported more than 1 million tons of these crops, ensuring steady supplies to European processors during a year of poor harvests across France, Germany, and Poland. The measure made exports more predictable and curbed speculative price swings in the oilseed market, helping secure Europe’s food and energy chains. For the EU, Ukrainian soy and rapeseed underpin production of biofuels, animal feed, and vegetable oils — key pillars of the bloc’s economic and environmental resilience.
Predictability replaces volatility
By granting exemptions to farmers and cooperatives exporting their own produce, Kyiv avoided cutting volumes while introducing structure into the market. As a result, EU refiners in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and France maintained consistent access to inputs despite lower domestic yields. The proximity of Ukrainian farms to major European ports has further reduced transport costs and CO₂ emissions, aligning with the EU’s Green Deal objectives. In a period of disrupted global supply chains, Ukraine’s agricultural exports have become an anchor of European autonomy and stability.
A model of mutual benefit
Ukraine’s tariff reform has created a framework that stimulates domestic processing while supporting European market balance. Regular Ukrainian shipments have dampened price fluctuations and encouraged certification in line with EU sustainability standards. Farmers’ cooperatives now deliver larger shares of verified, high-quality oilseeds into Europe’s “green supply chains.” The system has reinforced confidence between Kyiv and Brussels, showing that national industrial policy can coexist with open regional trade.
Economic integration and strategic security
Every tonne of Ukrainian produce shipped to Europe strengthens the continent’s food security and reduces Moscow’s leverage on global commodity markets. European investors are increasingly engaging in joint logistics and processing projects with Ukraine, turning economic cooperation into a shield against external manipulation. This integration supports not only trade but also geopolitical resilience within the EU’s eastern neighborhood.
Toward a shared market logic
Ukraine is gradually transforming from a raw-material supplier into a central player in Europe’s food and energy value chains. The shared focus on shorter routes, higher transparency, and common standards is building a foundation for long-term partnership. European companies increasingly view Ukraine as part of their internal market — a shift that reflects mutual trust and practical interdependence, forming a new model of EU stability in a volatile geopolitical climate.
