Export duties on soybeans and rapeseed: farmers have lost about $200 million in six months
25 March 15:50
Ukrainian farmers have lost approximately $200 million over the past six months due to the introduction of export duties on soybeans and rapeseed. This was reported by Latifundist , citing representatives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to estimates by the business community, the new taxes have affected both domestic prices and the export opportunities of Ukrainian producers.
How the losses are calculated
According to estimates by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, the largest portion of the losses is linked to a decline in domestic prices for agricultural products.
Specifically:
- farmers lost approximately $130 million because they were forced to sell soybeans and rapeseed at prices about 7% below world market prices;
- an additional approximately $50 million went to the budget in the form of export duties.
Small and medium-sized farmers, who are unable to export their products independently and are forced to work through traders or intermediaries, were hit the hardest.
Decline in foreign exchange earnings
In addition to farmers’ losses, a decline in foreign exchange earnings from exports has also been recorded.
According to business representatives, these revenues decreased by approximately $1 billion.
The sharpest decline in exports is observed in the following crops:
| Crop | Estimated losses |
|---|---|
| Rapeseed | $400 million |
| Soybeans | $240 million |
| sunflower | $345 million |
EU market under threat
The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine states that the introduction of tariffs could negatively impact Ukraine’s position in key markets.
According to chamber representatives, export taxes make Ukrainian rapeseed less competitive in the European Union.
“Those who lobbied for this law have practically pushed us out of the EU rapeseed market because we have become uncompetitive due to these export taxes,” business representatives stated.
How the duty came about
The export duty was introduced after Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on September 2, 2025, imposing a 10% tax on soybean and rapeseed exports.
Supporters of this initiative explained that it was necessary to stimulate the processing of oilseeds within the country.
However, some in the agricultural sector argue that such measures could reduce exports and farmers’ income, especially in the short term.
