Record Export Volumes
Ukraine has become the leader in rapeseed oil exports to Europe, setting a new monthly record in September 2025.
According to economist Viktor Galasyuk, Ukrainian producers exported almost 109,000 tons of rapeseed oil, which is 4.5 times more than in August.
Of this, 92,000 tons (85%) were shipped to EU countries, making it a record volume for that export direction.
From Raw Material to Processed Product
In previous months, countries like Kenya led EU rapeseed oil exports, while Ukraine primarily shipped unprocessed seeds abroad.
This situation changed after Ukraine introduced a 10% export duty on raw rapeseed, which effectively encouraged domestic processing.
“The idea worked. The duty became a tax on exporting unprocessed agricultural raw materials. As a result, producers started selling seeds domestically — loading Ukrainian processing plants and increasing the volume of internal processing,”
— said Viktor Galasyuk.
He added that there’s no complex economics behind it — just common sense: processing raw materials into value-added products creates jobs, tax revenues, and competitiveness for Ukraine.
Legislative Changes That Made It Possible
The turning point came after the Verkhovna Rada adopted amendments on July 16, 2025, introducing a 10% export duty on soybeans and rapeseed for grain traders.
Producers of processed products were exempt from the restrictions, giving them a competitive edge.
President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law on September 2, 2025.
Funds from the duty are directed to a special support fund for Ukrainian agricultural producers.
Strategic Effect for the Agro-Industrial Sector
The results appeared almost immediately:
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Domestic processing plants increased their workloads;
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The export structure shifted toward products with higher added value;
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Ukraine strengthened its position in the European agri-food market.
Economists view this as a successful example of smart industrial policy, where moderate duties stimulate national production and reduce dependence on raw exports.
