European sugar producers sound the alarm over imports: the EU market and supplies from Ukraine are under pressure
16 December 2025 22:52
European sugar industry associations – CEFS and C.I.B.E. – have appealed to the EU institutions to urgently intervene in the market situation. They demand to limit imports of raw sugar for processing industries, in particular from Ukraine and Mercosur countries, claiming “critical pressure” on European producers. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
What is known
According to the associations, sugar prices in the EU have fallen by 38% since December 2023 due to global overproduction and market speculation. Against the backdrop of falling prices in 2025, the EU has already announced the closure of five sugar factories, and another will stop processing in 2026. Producers warn that additional imports are exacerbating the crisis and jeopardizing the industry.
What is import blamed for?
The CEFS and C.I.B.E. point to imports under the domestic processing regime (IPP), new quotas from Ukraine, and the potential opening of access for sugar from Mercosur countries. According to them, this creates an oversupply and puts pressure on domestic prices. Ukrtsukr confirms that even though the EU’s beet acreage will decrease by almost 11% in 2025/26, the expected high yields could lead to significant ending stocks.
What steps are proposed
The associations call on the European Commission and Member States to immediately suspend raw sugar imports under the IPP and start a structured dialogue with business to stabilize the market. At the same time, European producers are already planning to further reduce the area under beets in 2026/27 season.
What it means for Ukraine
Ukraine is increasing its sugar exports: in September-November of 2025/26 marketing year, 116.1 thousand tons were shipped abroad, with the main destinations being the Middle East and Western Balkans. At the same time, the EU is increasingly criticizing Ukrainian agricultural products, as it has previously made similar accusations about grain, honey, and eggs.
The European Commission’s decision on import restrictions may directly affect Ukrainian sugar exports and negotiations on trade regimes with the EU. The industry is awaiting Brussels’ response, while farmers and producers in Europe are preparing for difficult decisions ahead of the new planting season.
