Analysts emphasize that the European Union has no intention of extending the “trade visa-free regime” that allowed Ukraine to engage in duty-free trade of goods. Poland, along with several other countries, opposed the automatic extension of this regime.
This is reported by Finway
At the same time, the EU will not abolish all autonomous trade measures and offers Ukraine to review the terms of free trade under the association agreement.
Growth of Exports from the EU
The share of the EU in total Ukrainian exports increased from 40% in 2021 to over 60% in 2024. In the agricultural sector, this figure reached 80%, depending on the group of goods. Accordingly, the agricultural sector will suffer the most due to the return of tariffs.
Alternative Markets for Ukrainian Products
Over 90% of sunflower oil supplied to the EU comes from Ukraine, and Spain is among the top three largest importers of Ukrainian grain. Ukraine may try to return to the markets of Africa and the Middle East to partially compensate for losses from the suspension of the “customs visa-free regime”; however, complicated logistics, danger, and competition with Russia may hinder this effort.
Additionally, Polish carriers have announced a protest at the largest border crossing point with Ukraine, “Dorohusk-Yahodyn,” demanding the restoration of the permit system for Ukrainian trucks.