Removal of the 25 per cent import tariff on US maize will help mitigate limited exports from Ukraine and Russia and improve agri-food chains’ ability to maintain animal feed supply, industry chiefs have said.
From June 1, the 25 per cent import tariff on US maize, introduced as part of a group of import tariffs applied on US goods in relation for ’Section 232’ tariffs, will be lifted, the Government has announced.
It follows similar moves by the EU who lifted their tariff of US maize earlier this year on January 1, 2022.
The ongoing conflict between the two countries has continued to drive volatility in the grains market, with uncertainty about the Black Sea supplies and exports.
And with 27 per cent of the UK’s maize imports coming from the Ukraine, there has been growing industry concern about the impact on the supply of animal feed supply if there is a shortage.
Welcoming the move, Ed Baker head of policy at AIC said: "Since the war, AIC has been clear the UK Government must be prepared to take quick action to facilitate the continued supply of inputs to UK agriculture, such as animal feed.
"This includes addressing barriers to trade with the EU or the rest of the world."
But he warned challenges will continue arising from the war in Ukraine.
"The Government must work closely with the agri-supply chain to find appropriate resolutions. No policy of legislative responses should be considered off the table," he said.
