Poland Returns to Pre-War Rules on Duty-Free Imports with Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

Poland is set to return to pre-war rules on duty-free imports from Ukraine, as the country's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, announced the cessation of the ATM mechanism from June 5, 2025. This decision comes as a result of concerns that the liberalization of trade with Ukraine has negatively impacted Polish producers, particularly farmers. Tusk emphasized that while Poland wants to support Ukraine in its war against Russia, this cannot be done at the expense of the country's own economic interests.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ATM mechanism, introduced in 2022 to support Ukraine during the war, will cease to operate from June 5, 2025.
  • The mechanism allowed for duty-free imports of goods from Ukraine, which has been detrimental to Polish producers, especially farmers.
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the government will prioritize Polish economic interests, even if it "confronts" Ukrainian ones.
  • Tusk emphasized that Poland's decision to return to pre-war rules is not a reflection of its stance on the Ukrainian-Russian war.
  • Ukraine is currently negotiating the extension of visa-free trade with the EU after June 5, as reported by Ukrainian News Agency on May 16.
  • The ATM mechanism has been in operation since 2022, aiming to support Ukraine during the war.
  • The mechanism has allowed for duty-free imports of Ukrainian goods, particularly agricultural products.
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the introduction of the ATM mechanism has opened the Polish border wide to Ukrainian products, threatening the stability of the Polish market.
  • The mechanism has been criticized for its negative impact on Polish producers, particularly farmers.

Statistics:

  • The ATM mechanism will cease to operate from June 5, 2025.
  • The mechanism was introduced in 2022 to support Ukraine during the war.
  • Ukraine is currently negotiating with the EU to extend visa-free trade after June 5.

Sources:

  • RMF24, June 20
  • Ukrainian News Agency, May 16