Poland and Hungary's unilateral bans on Ukrainian grain and food imports have been condemned by the European Commission, which stated that such action on trade by EU member states is unacceptable. The bans come as Ukraine's Black Sea ports were blocked, and Ukrainian grain, which is cheaper than EU-produced grains, stayed in Central Europe due to logistical bottlenecks. This has hit selling prices for local farmers, creating a political issue for Poland's ruling party in an election year. The ban is aimed at protecting the local agricultural sector, but the EC spokesperson reiterated that trade policy is EU exclusive competence, and unilateral action is not acceptable. The Polish ban will also apply to transit of these products through the country, which prompted the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food to call for talks. Although the Commission has said unilateral moves will not be tolerated, it has not yet clarified what measures it would take against Poland and Hungary.