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Trade with the EU: Ukraine maintains export volumes and increases quotas
Ukraine has reached agreements with the EU on trade that will maintain export volumes at the 2024 level and agree on the expected rules for the future. This includes a significant increase in quotas for key agricultural products and gradual liberalization by 2028, which stimulates investment in deeper processing

According to the Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko:

Agreements with the EU on trade have been reached. We managed to maintain export volumes to the EU at the 2024 level and agree on the expected rules for the future.
Free trade is maintained. Most quotas that were restrictive in 2021 have now been increased:

honey up to 583%
sugar up to 500%
poultry up to 133%
wheat up to 130%
processed starch, cereals, processed grains up to 150–500%.

In dozens of categories, quotas already correspond to or exceed the volumes of actual exports. Only 4 quotas that were almost unused remain unchanged.

The key is that gradual liberalization is planned until 2028. These trade conditions are fixed at the bilateral level and cannot be canceled or changed by an EU decision. This makes trade with our European partners more stable and predictable

What about those quotas that remain sensitive?
Even in these categories, we maintain export opportunities or open new markets. For example:

corn – exported duty-free, the quota of 1 million tons does not limit 14 million tons of actual exports;
wheat – over 5 million tons will go to the markets of Asia and Africa. The EU provides trade financing to support this reorientation;
barley – part of the volumes is reoriented to the Middle East;
eggs – there is a WTO quota of 115 thousand tons, so the EU quota of 18 thousand tons is only a saving on duty (up to 1.8 million euros annually);
honey – the saving on duty is up to 8.6 million euros annually.

In the most difficult positions (poultry, sugar, juice), the damage is minimized – thanks to:

global quotas;

alternative markets;
the prospect of revision.

Yulia Svyrydenko summarizes:

For products with added value, we leave the most favorable conditions on the EU market. This is a signal for business: right now is the time to invest in deeper processing and modernization.

Trade with the EU: Ukraine Reduces Quotas for Sugar and Poultry Exports
Ukraine Reduces Quotas for Sugar and Poultry Exports to the EU
The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers has approved new amendments to the resolution on quotas for sugar and poultry meat exports to the European Union. According to Resolution №664, the export quota for sugar will be nearly 11,007.5 metric tons.

Sugar Export Details
Licensing for sugar exports will be valid until August 5, 2025. The quota volume will be distributed among exporters based on their actual exports to the EU during the current year.

Poultry Export Details
The quota for the export of poultry meat and offal stands at 51,061 metric tons. Additionally, an updated quota for the export of turkey meat and offal has been introduced, set at 1,439 metric tons.

Quota Comparison and Distribution
Compared to previous figures, the new quotas for 2025 are: 107,238 metric tons for sugar, 55,536 metric tons for poultry meat, and 1,565 metric tons for turkey meat.

Licensing for poultry and turkey meat exports will continue until December 31, 2025. The total quota will be allocated among exporters based on their actual exports to the EU during the first four months of 2025.

A reserve volume of 1,071 metric tons for poultry meat will be distributed among exporters who did not export these products in the first four months of 2025.

Impact on Trade Relations
The government's adoption of these new amendments regarding sugar and poultry meat exports to the EU will affect quotas and export licenses for these products in the region for the next few years, further developing trade relations between Ukraine and the European Union.

€20 Million for Export Support from EU to Ukraine via Danish Agency EIFO
EU Launches Export Credit Guarantee Mechanism for Ukraine, First Deal Signed with Danish EIFO for €20 Million
Kyiv, Ukraine – June 5, 2025 – The European Investment Fund (EIF) has signed its first agreement under a new EU export credit guarantee mechanism for Ukraine, in collaboration with the Danish export credit agency EIFO. This initiative aims to support EU businesses in their partnerships with Ukrainian counterparts.

The EIF's guarantee agreement with EIFO will allow Danish companies exporting to Ukraine to access up to €20 million in export credit operations. It's expected that up to 40 Danish companies will benefit from this support. This simultaneously enables Ukraine to receive essential goods, technologies, and services — ranging from equipment and clean energy to pharmaceutical products — thereby supporting its economy and strengthening its recovery capacity.

This agreement is the first of approximately 13 deals currently in preparation through a collaboration between the EIB Group, the European Commission, and national export credit agencies in EU member states. The export credit program, which aims to provide around €300 million in guarantees to support European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps, received applications exceeding its available funding volume just weeks after its launch in July 2024.

"This export credit agreement — the first of thirteen — underscores the European Union's commitment to a strong Ukraine within the European family. Ensuring trade links between the EU and Ukraine is a vital factor in supporting the Ukrainian economy and deepening bilateral relations on the path to Ukraine's future EU accession," stated Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group.

Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy, Implementation, and Simplification, commented, "Thanks to the support of the EU budget, this mechanism helps European businesses maintain and expand trade ties with Ukraine. This is an important step forward towards deeper integration of the EU and Ukrainian economies — a key element of Ukraine's accession process to the European Union."

Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, noted that in 2024, according to Eurostat, exports from the EU to Ukraine totaled €42.8 billion, a 9.4% increase from 2023. "This demonstrates that Ukraine remains a stable and important market for European goods: from machinery and transport to pharmaceuticals and clean technologies. The export credit guarantee mechanism, implemented by the European Investment Bank Group and the European Commission, helps reduce risks for European companies."

This initiative marks a significant step in bolstering economic ties and supporting Ukraine's resilience and recovery through increased trade with EU partners.

To Diversify Production: Ukraine to Export Four New Types of Products to the EU
Ukraine Gains EU Market Access for Four New Seed Types
The European Union has opened its market to beetroot, sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean seeds produced and certified in Ukraine. This move, announced by the European Council, aims to diversify seed production within the EU and ensure a continuous supply of high-quality seeds.

Details of the Decision
The European Council adopted a decision granting Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova equivalency to EU requirements for field inspections and seed production standards. This means that the national procedures of both countries offer the same guarantees regarding seed characteristics and rules for examination, identification, and control as those applied to seeds harvested in the EU.

Consequently, seeds of these four types produced in Ukraine, along with fodder plant seeds produced in Moldova, will be able to enter the EU market.

Impact on EU and Ukraine
"This means that companies based in the EU will be able to diversify seed production," stated the European Council. "The new rules will also contribute to supporting the continuous supply of high-quality seeds in the EU." This decision is expected to benefit EU companies by providing new sourcing options and to support the Ukrainian agricultural sector.

The decision will come into force twenty days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Broader Context
This development follows Ukraine's strong performance in agricultural exports. In 2024, Ukraine increased its export of organic products to EU countries by 17.4% compared to 2023, reaching 203.9 thousand tons. This propelled Ukraine into the top 3 suppliers of organic products to the EU last year.

Ukraine and the European Commission are also working to finalize a solution by June-July 2025 regarding the further export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the European market. It's worth noting that the EU returned to pre-war trade rules with Ukraine on June 6, meaning temporary trade liberalization measures introduced in 2022 are no longer in effect.

The European Union will begin levying tariffs on Ukrainian goods imports in a few weeks, according to the Financial Times, as reported by "European Pravda."

This decision to introduce higher duties on Ukrainian imports is linked to plans to end the special duty-free regime, which was implemented in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion. This move was made after Poland pushed for the protection of EU farmers.

The EU has an existing free trade agreement with Ukraine, but temporarily lifted residual tariffs after Russia's invasion in 2022. These arrangements are set to expire on June 6. The EU plans to replace them with "transitional measures" while both parties work on updating the overall trade agreement.

Two EU diplomats indicated that the European Commission's transitional measures involve dividing the annual duty-free quota into 12 monthly parts to reduce imports during the negotiation period. They anticipate that corn, sugar, honey, and poultry will be the most affected. Specifically, the annual quota for corn will be cut from 4.7 million tons to 650,000 tons, poultry from 57,100 to 40,000 tons, and sugar from 109,000 to 40,700 tons.

However, informed diplomats noted that the transitional proposal recently presented to EU member states will be significantly scaled back, particularly regarding quotas for duty-free agricultural imports, which are critically important for Ukrainian farmers and the budget.

When the duty-free trade regime was introduced in 2022, it applied to Ukrainian products like poultry, wheat, and sugar, most of which were transported through EU countries to Africa and Asia. However, farmers and politicians in Poland, France, and other EU countries soon accused Ukrainian exports of driving down domestic prices, a matter that became dominant in Polish politics.

Diplomats claim that ahead of presidential elections, Warsaw asked the European Commission to postpone trade negotiations with Kyiv to reduce the chances of nationalist opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki winning.

A European Commission representative confirmed to the newspaper that the arrangements would not be renewed, "as we are currently working on a review" of the free trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine. He added that "the Commission is also considering possible transitional measures if the negotiations are not completed and applied by June 6."

Bernd Lange, Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on International Trade, believes this is "a really very bad signal for Ukraine."

It's worth noting that in May 2024, the Council of the European Union approved extending the suspension of duties and quotas on Ukrainian imports to the EU for another year, but with additional safeguards to protect European farmers. At that time, the European Commission announced consultations with Ukraine under Article 29 of the Association Agreement to agree on long-term liberalization of mutual tariffs.

Ukraine's Imports Almost Double Its Exports - State Customs Service
The largest share of exports from Ukraine consisted of foodstuffs, metals, machinery, and equipment.
From the beginning of 2025, during January-April, Ukraine imported goods worth $24.8 billion, while exports were almost half that amount, at $13.3 billion. According to the State Customs Service, taxed imports amounted to $18.8 billion, which is 76% of the total volume of imported goods.

The largest share of goods imported to Ukraine came from China - $5.2 billion, Poland - $2.3 billion, and Germany - $2.1 billion. The largest exports from Ukraine went to Poland - $1.6 billion, Turkey - $932 million, and Italy - $843 million.

The top imported goods to Ukraine included machinery, equipment, and transport ($9.1 billion), chemical industry products ($4.2 billion), and fuel and energy goods ($3.3 billion).

The top three most exported goods from Ukraine were:

food products - $7.6 billion;
metals and articles thereof - $1.5 billion;
machinery, equipment, and transport - $1.2 million.

EU Sets New Export Record to Ukraine: Which Goods Drove the Growth

In 2024, the European Union achieved a new record level of goods exports to Ukraine, reaching €42.8 billion. This is according to Eurostat data published on May 7, 2025.

Compared to 2023, EU exports to Ukraine increased by 9.4%, and imports from Ukraine to the EU also showed growth of 7.0%, amounting to €24.5 billion. Thus, the positive trade balance for the EU in trade with Ukraine amounted to €18.3 billion.

The main goods that drove the growth of EU exports to Ukraine were:

Mineral fuels (€6.8 billion): Exports of this category of goods increased significantly compared to 2021, which is explained by the reduction in energy imports from Russia and Belarus and their partial replacement with supplies from EU countries.
Electrical machinery and equipment (€4.3 billion).
Machinery and appliances (€4.2 billion).
Among the goods imported from Ukraine to the EU, the largest volumes were in:

Agricultural products (€4.4 billion), particularly cereals.
Animal or vegetable fats and oils (€3.1 billion).
Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit; industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder1 (€2.5 billion).

🌍 Is "Made in Ukraine" Becoming a Global Trend? Analytics & Facts
In recent years, Ukrainian products have gained increasing recognition on the global market — but is “Made in Ukraine” truly becoming an international trend? Let’s look at the facts:

📈 Export Growth
In 2024, Ukraine’s total export volume reached $41.7 billion, showing a 13.4% increase compared to 2023. Goods exports alone grew by 15%, totaling $42 billion, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and innovation.

🌾 Agricultural and Food Products
Agriculture remains a key export sector, accounting for 43% (over $18 billion) of total exports. Notably, poultry exports jumped by 20.4%, reaching $962.7 million — solid proof of rising global demand for Ukrainian food products.

🚀 Technology and Defense Industry
Ukraine is now one of the world’s emerging leaders in drone production. The domestic drone industry is projected to manufacture up to 4.5 million units annually, with strong export potential fueling interest from international buyers.

👗 Fashion & Creative Industries
Ukrainian fashion brands like Litkovska, Bevza, and Bobkova are making waves at Paris Fashion Week and other global events — putting Ukrainian creativity and style on the map.

🛋️ Furniture Industry
Ukrainian furniture exports are expected to grow by 30% in 2025, thanks to the unique combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. This industry is gaining ground across Europe and beyond.

🏛️ Government Support & Branding
National initiatives like the “Made in Ukraine” program and industry forums such as Industrial Evolution are actively promoting a unified export brand and helping Ukrainian producers access new markets.

📈 How Has Ukraine’s Import Structure Changed Over the Last 5 Years?
Over the past five years, Ukraine’s import landscape has undergone major transformations. Shifts in geopolitics, growing domestic demand, and technological progress have all played a role in redefining what the country brings in from abroad.

🔍 Key Changes in Ukraine’s Import Structure:
1️⃣ Reduced Imports from Aggressor Countries – Imports from Russia have dropped to nearly zero, while trade with the EU, Turkey, the U.S., and Asia has significantly increased.
2️⃣ Rise in Tech and Electronics – There's been a notable surge in the import of electronics, home appliances, industrial components, and IT hardware.
3️⃣ More Imported Food Products – Demand has grown for exotic fruits, coffee, seafood, cheeses, and ready-made meals, especially from Europe.
4️⃣ Energy & Fuel Shift – Ukraine is diversifying its sources of oil, gas, and coal, aligning with its broader energy transformation.
5️⃣ Vehicles and Auto Parts – Imports of used cars from Europe have skyrocketed, along with a rise in electric vehicle imports.

📊 What Does This Mean for the Economy?
Ukraine is becoming more integrated into global supply chains and shifting towards higher-quality, modern goods. The import structure is evolving to meet the real needs of Ukrainian consumers and industries.

🏗🇺🇦 Ukrainian Products That Are Popular in the US & Europe – But We Don’t Even Know About Them
When we talk about Ukrainian exports, most people think of grain or steel. But the truth is — there are amazing Ukrainian products making waves in the US and EU, and even Ukrainians rarely hear about them. Let’s change that 👇

🪑 1. Designer Furniture
Brands: Zegen, Mebius, Interia

Where it's exported: Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, USA

Why they love it: clean design, quality wood, handmade craftsmanship

🇺🇦 Ukrainian furniture brands quietly compete with IKEA — and often win.

🧴 2. Skincare & Eco Cosmetics
Brands: YAKA, Natura House Ukraine, DeLaMark

Markets: France, Italy, Poland, Canada

Why it’s in demand: eco-friendly ingredients, cruelty-free, minimal packaging

🌿 Ukrainian natural cosmetics are gaining loyal fans in Europe’s green beauty market.

🛠 3. Electrical Equipment & Parts
Products: cables, transformers, industrial components

Export destinations: Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, USA

Why they buy: great price-performance ratio, fast shipping

🧩 Many European factories use Ukrainian components without even knowing it.

🎨 4. Illustration, Game Art & Animation
Who: freelance artists & studios from Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv

Clients: game developers and publishers in the US, France, Canada

Why it’s popular: creative talent, high quality, affordable rates

🎮 Ukrainian artists work on big games, comics, and concept art behind the scenes.

👶 5. Wooden Toys & Kids’ Products
Brands: Wunderkind Toys, MyPlayroom, Cubika

Exported to: USA, Germany, Canada

Why parents love it: safe materials, bright design, educational focus

🧸 Cubika sells on Amazon and gets hundreds of 5-star reviews from American families.

💬 The Takeaway:
Ukraine isn’t just “the breadbasket of Europe.” It’s a creative and industrial powerhouse, quietly delivering value to the world — and it’s time more people knew about it.

🇪🇺🇺🇦 EU & Ukraine: What Can We Export Duty-Free?
Since the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) agreement in 2016, and especially after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU has lifted tariffs and quotas on most Ukrainian goods. This has given Ukraine a huge economic boost. So, what can we export to Europe without duties?

✅ Key Ukrainian Exports to the EU (Duty-Free)
1️⃣ Agricultural Products 🌾🥦

Wheat, corn, barley, sunflower oil, honey, berries, and nuts.

Ukraine is one of the biggest suppliers of grain and sunflower oil to the EU.

2️⃣ Metals & Raw Materials 🏗️🔩

Iron ore, steel, and aluminum.

Despite war damage, Ukraine remains a key player in the European steel market.

3️⃣ Wood & Furniture 🛋️🌳

Processed wood, plywood, and furniture.

Ukraine’s wood industry is growing, exporting premium furniture to Germany and Italy.

4️⃣ Industrial Goods & Machinery ⚙️🚜

Engines, turbines, transformers, and mechanical equipment.

Many Ukrainian factories export components for European production chains.

5️⃣ Textiles & Clothing 👕👜

Fabrics, knitwear, and leather goods.

Ukrainian brands are gaining popularity in European fashion.

6️⃣ IT & Digital Services 💻📊

Software development, cybersecurity, and outsourcing.

IT is one of Ukraine’s fastest-growing export sectors, working with top EU companies.

🔥 Why Is This Important for Ukraine?
✅ More money for the economy – Exports to the EU grew to $27.9 billion in 2023.
✅ Job creation – More exports = more production = more jobs.
✅ Integration with the EU – Strengthening ties with European markets speeds up Ukraine’s EU accession process.
✅ Diversification – Helps Ukraine move away from dependence on unstable markets.

⚠ Challenges & Future Risks
🚜 Protests by EU farmers – Some European farmers oppose duty-free Ukrainian imports, fearing competition.
🚧 Logistics issues – Border blockades and port restrictions slow down trade.
📜 Regulatory hurdles – Ukrainian businesses must meet strict EU standards to export freely.

How the War Has Changed Ukraine’s Export: Facts & Figures
Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s export landscape has undergone dramatic shifts. Despite the challenges, the country has adapted and even found new opportunities in global markets. Here’s a look at how the war has reshaped Ukraine’s exports with key facts and figures.

🚢 Decline in Overall Export Volumes
In 2021, Ukraine’s total exports amounted to $68.2 billion. By 2023, this figure dropped to $44.2 billion—a 35% decrease.
The war disrupted supply chains, destroyed infrastructure, and blocked key export routes, including ports on the Black Sea.
🌾 Agricultural Exports: The Backbone of the Economy
Despite the war, Ukraine remains one of the world’s largest grain exporters.
In 2023, Ukraine exported 49 million tons of grain, but that’s still 28% lower than in 2021.
The EU became a major trade partner, with 60% of Ukrainian agricultural exports directed to European countries.
🏭 Industrial and Metal Exports Crushed
Before the war, metals (steel, iron) accounted for over 20% of Ukraine’s exports.
Due to the destruction of major steel plants (Azovstal, Ilyich Iron & Steel Works), metal exports dropped by over 70%.
Many companies relocated or shifted to partial production in Western Ukraine.
🚛 New Export Routes & Logistics Challenges
With Black Sea ports blocked, Ukraine had to rely on land routes through Poland, Romania, and Hungary.
The Danube River ports became critical, handling 60% of Ukraine’s agricultural exports.
New agreements allowed Ukraine to resume partial grain exports via the Black Sea, but the risks remain high due to Russian attacks.
🔥 New Growth Sectors
IT and digital services exports grew by 9% in 2023, helping offset losses in traditional industries.
Defense industry exports have surged as Ukraine develops its own arms production.
Alternative energy exports, such as electricity sales to the EU, are also rising.
🏆 Resilience & Adaptation
Despite the devastation, Ukraine’s economy and export sector continue to adapt and find new markets. The country has deepened ties with the EU, Middle East, and Asia, and industries are restructuring to work under wartime conditions.