The war in Ukraine worries the Spanish food industry. With significant imports from this country, the prices of the shopping basket are in danger.”Assuming the contention delays, it is truly conceivable that it will wind up affecting the costs of items, which have effectively been ascending for a long time because of the shortage of unrefined components and the power bill,” point reevaluates in the area.

In particular, the food sector is concerned about corn, wheat and sunflower oil from Ukraine. According to data from the Secretary of State for Trade, about 30% of the corn that Spain imports come from the war in Ukraine country, a percentage close to that of wheat, which is around 20%, but doubles -up to over 60%- in the case of sunflower oil.

These are figures that directly impact industries such as bread or pasta, but also pastries or sauces -which use sunflower oil- or the meat industry. In this case, because of the feed with which these animals are fed based on these cereals. “It affects us a lot because the conflict has broken out at a time when there are not many alternatives, the world’s remnants of raw materials are very fair,” the general director of the Spanish Confederation of Compound Food Manufacturers tells Vozpópuli. Animals (Cesfac), Jorge de Saja .

The Spanish problem, explains De Saja, is that “we are very incapable of producing the raw materials that are used for feed, especially cereals and oilseeds.” A problem that is even greater considering that, although Spain imports between 40% and 60% of the cereals used in animal feed from different countries, including Brazil or Argentina, Ukraine is the main supplier during the first semester of the year.

Although Cesfac foresees that the industry has these products stored to meet the demand for about six weeks, “the problem of shortages would come later” if the situation continues. In this sense, the general director of Cesfac does not rule out that the price increase takes little time to be seen. «We have spent twenty months in a row with an increase in the cost of livestock, for energy or transport. To date, the price has not risen because the war in Ukraine effect has not yet been incorporated, but in one week the price of raw materials has increased by an average of 60%, “says De Saja.

Asked about the impact on the shopping basket, the CEO of Cesfac is clear: « The consumer will surely notice it. Raw materials were already going up before this, and no matter how much they go down, they are going to be more expensive.

Trade looks to war in Ukraine

Alerted by the impact on the different industrial sectors, this Friday the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism convened more than 300 Spanish companies and export associations affected by the conflict between war in Ukraine and Russia. “Close contact with Spanish companies and exporters established in both countries is necessary to analyze the situation, monitor incidents that may arise and evaluate possible impacts on bilateral trade,” commented the Secretary of State for Trade, Xiana Méndez, who insisted in that from the Government “we want to facilitate and make available to companies all the mechanisms within our reach”.

Although the head of Trade stressed that ” trade sanctions will be measures that are adopted to avoid greater evils”, she insisted during the meeting that “there is still room for diplomatic channels and, within the European Union, decisions will be made in a unanimous and that will undoubtedly make us stronger».

As far as exports are concerned, and according to the figures handled by this ministry, trade relations are limited. Total exports of Spanish products to Russia account for 0.7% (2,213.3 million euros) of the global value of exports, while in the case of exports to war in  Ukraine they account for 0.2% (681.8 million euros). ) of the total.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has reverberated far beyond its borders, impacting global economies and directly affecting consumers’ daily lives. One of the most palpable effects is seen in the inflation of the shopping basket, where basic necessities like bread and meat are becoming increasingly costly.

The conflict in Ukraine has disrupted agricultural and food supply chains, leading to shortages and price hikes in essential food items. Ukraine, known as the “breadbasket of Europe,” plays a critical role in global grain markets. However, the war has disrupted planting and harvesting activities, impacting wheat production and exports. This disruption in the supply of wheat has contributed to rising prices for bread and other wheat-based products worldwide.

Furthermore, the conflict has implications for the meat industry. war in Ukraine is a significant producer and exporter of various meats, including pork and poultry. With disruptions in transportation, feed supplies, and market uncertainties, meat prices have surged in response to reduced supply and increased demand.

In addition to direct impacts on food production, the war in Ukraine has fueled broader economic instability and geopolitical tensions. These factors contribute to global market volatility, affecting commodity prices and exchange rates. Consumers across the globe are experiencing the trickle-down effects of these disruptions, facing higher costs for everyday groceries.

Moreover, the war’s toll extends beyond immediate economic impacts. It has created a climate of uncertainty that influences consumer confidence and business investment. Uncertainty about future supplies and prices can lead to hoarding behaviors and further exacerbate inflationary pressures.

As the conflict and war in Ukraine continues, its repercussions on the shopping basket and household budgets are likely to persist. Governments and international organizations are closely monitoring the situation, seeking to mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations. However, the war’s economic fallout serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global markets and the profound consequences of geopolitical events on everyday life.