Budapest refuses to reimpose import ban on Ukrainian honey despite protests, citing ‘no impact’ – Reuters
Hungary will maintain its decision not to reintroduce a ban on Ukrainian honey imports, resisting pressure from beekeepers who argue that inexpensive Ukrainian honey is driving down prices and jeopardizing their livelihoods, Reuters reported on March 26.
Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government banned imports of 24 agricultural products from Ukraine last year, including grain, pork and honey. On Feb. 19, it lifted the ban on honey, sparking protests from the country’s beekeepers.
Agriculture Minister Istvan Nagy told Reuters that the unilateral import ban failed to have a positive impact on the local market as wholesale purchase prices have not increased to the extent that local farmers hoped for, while it hurt companies who packaged and exported honey to the EU.
Read also: Poland aims to halt Ukrainian grain transit from April, negotiations with Kyiv underway
Honey exporters need the Ukrainian honey as they will not be able to meet contracted deliveries otherwise.
Asked if the government would consider reintroducing the import ban, he said “no, as it has no impact.”
Read also: France will limit supply of Ukrainian grain to Europe
Most honey imports into the EU come from China and Ukraine. Ukrainian imports accounted for 25% of the EU’s honey imports in January-August 2023, according to European Commission data.
On Nov. 29, the Slovak government decided to extend a ban on imports of grain and other agricultural products, including honey, from Ukraine.
On Sept. 18, farmers across Bulgaria began protesting the country’s parliament’s decision to resume agricultural imports from Ukraine. The protesters are demanding that the government extend the ban on imports of Ukrainian sunflower, wheat, corn and rapeseed.
They also want a ban on imports of sunflower oil, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, honey and beekeeping products from Ukraine.
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