Kyiv Moves to Shield Farmers as Ukraine Imposes New Tariffs on Turkish Vegetables

By Maria Kalamatas | July 17, 2025

Kyiv, July 17 — In a bold move aimed at stabilizing domestic agricultural markets, Ukraine has announced the immediate introduction of steep import duties on Turkish-grown tomatoes and cucumbers. The new tariffs, ranging from 20% to 27%, come amid rising complaints from Ukrainian farmers about a surge in low-cost imports disrupting seasonal pricing.

The decision was formalized early this morning through a decree by Ukraine’s Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food. Officials claim the action is necessary to prevent further erosion of market value for local producers during peak harvest.

“We are not closing our market to partners,” said Deputy Minister Oleg Serhiienko. “But we are obligated to act when fair competition is threatened.”

Local Growers Under Pressure

Over the past month, wholesale prices for domestic cucumbers in central and eastern regions have collapsed by as much as 35%, forcing some family-owned greenhouses to suspend operations. According to the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association, Turkish imports in June were nearly double the volume recorded in the same period last year.

“We’ve been pushed off the shelves in our own cities,” said Natalia Karpova, a greenhouse operator in Dnipro. “If this continues, it’s the end of small-scale farming here.”

Turkey Responds

Ankara was quick to condemn the tariffs, calling them “commercially unjustified” and warning they could damage long-standing trade ties. The Turkish Fresh Produce Exporters Union stated it is reviewing legal options, including a possible challenge through the World Trade Organization.

“This decision contradicts the spirit of regional cooperation,” said Emre Altin, trade attaché at the Turkish Embassy in Kyiv.

Ripple Effects in the Region

The tariffs are expected to send shockwaves through Eastern European supply chains, especially among cross-border distributors in Moldova, Romania, and Slovakia who rely heavily on Ukrainian transit routes for Turkish produce.

Some wholesale buyers have already reported switching orders to Georgia and Jordan, despite higher shipping costs.

“Availability will dip, prices will rise — it’s a simple equation,” noted Serghei Dumitru, head buyer for Agromarket Group in Chișinău.

A Strategic Signal

Analysts believe the move reflects not only economic urgency but also a broader geopolitical message. Amid ongoing war-time restrictions, Ukraine has increasingly aligned its agricultural policies with EU trade standards, including defensive safeguards for domestic markets.

Whether the tariffs mark a temporary fix or the beginning of a longer policy trend remains to be seen.

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