The European Union will increase import quotas for Ukrainian agricultural products to 30 items
Quotas for the import of Ukrainian agricultural products to the European Union after the end of the “trade visa-free” regime will cover not 7, but 30 product items. About this reported head of the committee on European integration of the “Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Business” Oleksandr Avramenko.
After June 5, 2025, Ukraine will lose the possibility of duty-free exports to the EU within the framework of “trade visa-free”.
“Instead of full access to the market, Ukrainian exporters will be able to use only 7/12 of the annual quotas that were in effect before the war.” – explained Avramenko.
This will lead to a significant reduction in export volumes of certain categories. For example, the export of wheat will decrease from 6 million tons to 1 million tons, corn – from 4.7 million to 650 thousand tons. tons, and sugar – up to 20 thousand tons The problem is that the return is not simply to the terms of autonomous trade arrangements, but to an even tougher model, the trade part of the 2014 Association Agreement, which contains more than 30 quotas.
“The situation is complicated by the fact that the European Commission is currently not ready for official negotiations with Ukraine regarding the renewal of the 29th article of the agreement. This is explained by internal political processes in the EU countries, in particular, the expectation of elections in Poland. That is why the transitional model is currently being implemented – 7/12 of the old quotas.” – said Avramenko.
Avramenko noted that the Ukrainian sector of production of products with added value will receive the biggest blow from the cancellation of “trade visa-free”. We are talking about companies that export flour, cereals, dairy products and tomato paste. Due to the restoration of customs barriers and restrictions, these categories will experience the greatest reduction, because the quotas are mainly filled by raw materials – wheat, corn, raw milk.
The European Commission promises to return to the revision of Article 29 of the agreement after the elections in key EU countries. It is expected that official negotiations may start in the summer and last until the fall. However, even if an agreement is reached, the new trade regime will not be able to enter into force until 2026. The key condition for further liberalization is compliance of Ukrainian products with European standards.
European officials are currently trying to maintain a balance between supporting Ukraine and protecting domestic markets. The 7/12 proposal looks like a compromise solution: it helps to avoid a sharp drop in Ukrainian exports, without creating political tension in the EU at the same time.
“However, without new agreements, the situation can quickly deteriorate. Already now, the products that will remain in Ukraine will become cheaper, and for many exporters this will mean losses and the loss of markets. Therefore, the strategy for getting out of this situation is an urgent resumption of negotiations and adaptation to new realities.” Avramenko summed up.
