December 27, 2024 | 22:11 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Sunday- 10:52, 29/09/2024

Bulgaria seeks restrictions on Ukrainian egg imports

(VAN) The Bulgarian Agricultural Ministry joined forces with farmers in a quest to completely stop the flow of cheap Ukrainian eggs to the country.
Ukrainian eggs are reportedly 20-30% cheaper compared to those manufactured by Bulgarian farmers. Photo: Canva.

Ukrainian eggs are reportedly 20-30% cheaper compared to those manufactured by Bulgarian farmers. Photo: Canva.

Overwhelming imports are believed to be the key factor preventing the industry from recovering after a devastating bird flu outbreak at the end of 2023. The Bulgarian government appealed to the European Commission, requesting to protect egg manufacturers “from negative market trends emerging as a result of imports from Ukraine”.

“The procedure for preparing a written request to the European Commission has already been kicked out,” Georgi Tahov, Bulgarian Agricultural Minister, outlined during a press conference.

On 2 July, the European Commission reimposed tariff quotas on Ukrainian eggs, subjecting imports to a €89 per tonne duty. Bulgarian farmers insist the measure is not sufficient and seek a full ban on Ukrainian egg imports.

Imports skyrocket

In 2024, Bulgaria experienced a 400% hike in imports of eggs from Ukraine, Daniel Bozhankov, chairman of the Association of Industrial Poultry Breeding, has estimated. According to Bozhankov, the import duty doesn’t work – it is equal to only 5% of the wholesale price of eggs, so failed to curb the import flow. In fact, the deliveries have even picked up since the measure was introduced.

Bozhankov claimed that in May, nearly 311 tonnes of eggs were imported into Bulgaria, while in July, only two regions – Veliko Tarnovo and Dobrich – saw 432 tonnes land on their markets. Given the size of the Bulgarian market, the figure is enormous, Bozhankov stated, adding that cheap imports incur “millions of losses” to local farmers.

Price difference

The Association of Industrial Poultry Breeding is not backing down. They are demanding that the authorities urge the European Commission to activate the ban on Ukrainian egg imports within 120 days. If their demands are not met, they are prepared to escalate their protest with a mass rally.

Ukrainian eggs are 20-30% cheaper compared to those manufactured by local farmers, Bozhankov estimated. He explained that Ukrainian manufacturers manage to keep the production costs relatively low, as they do not need to comply with European poultry welfare standards.

Bird flu aftermath

Overwhelming imports are also preventing the Bulgarian poultry industry from recovering from a large-scale bird flu outbreak that wreaked havoc in 2023. Over 1.5 million heads of laying hens were lost in the outbreak, leading to a significant drop in Bulgaria’s egg self-sufficiency from close to 115% to below 100%. This loss of self-sufficiency has deprived Bulgaria of its status as a net egg exporter.

HD

(PW)

China and Japan expected to discuss seafood ban

China and Japan expected to discuss seafood ban

(VAN) Beijing imposed the ban last August after Tokyo began releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant despite Chinese opposition.

Food and nutrition crisis deepens across Sudan as famine identified in additional areas

Food and nutrition crisis deepens across Sudan as famine identified in additional areas

(VAN) FAO, WFP and UNICEF urge immediate humanitarian access and action to avert what could become the worst hunger crisis in recent history.

How to repair the planet? One answer might be hiding in plain sight

How to repair the planet? One answer might be hiding in plain sight

(VAN) We tend to look at environmental problems in isolation. A holistic approach would be more effective, a new report says.

Georgia farmers still grappling with $5.5 billion in Hurricane Helene storm losses

Georgia farmers still grappling with $5.5 billion in Hurricane Helene storm losses

(VAN) Twisted equipment and snapped tree limbs still litter Chris Hopkins’ Georgia farm more than two months after Hurricane Helene made its deadly march across the South.

US poultry sector prepares for mass deportations

US poultry sector prepares for mass deportations

(VAN) The US poultry processing industry has long relied on illegal workers, but huge adjustments are going to have to be made after President-elect Donald Trump takes power on 20 January 2025.

The future is dry: Why soil is the sexiest climate solution

The future is dry: Why soil is the sexiest climate solution

(VAN) Drought is projected to affect 75% of the world's population by 2050. Take that in.

Environmentalists call for a revision of poultry welfare standards

Environmentalists call for a revision of poultry welfare standards

(VAN) Voice of Animals, a Russian NGO, has prepared amendments to the draft veterinary regulation in the poultry industry, which is scheduled to come into force on 1 August 2025.

Read more