UCAB welcomes the EU Council’s approval of new trade agreements with Ukraine

UCAB welcomes the approval today, October 13, by the EU Council of Ministers of the agreements between the European Union and Ukraine on updating the trade parameters for agri-food products under the Association Agreement. In particular, this concerns the expansion of several tariff quotas for imports of agri-food goods into the EU, which hold a significant share in the structure of Ukrainian agri-exports – such as grains, poultry, sugar, eggs, and others. UCAB members and the entire Ukrainian agricultural sector now await the final stage of this process – the official adoption of the agreements by the EU-Ukraine Association Committee in Trade Configuration and their subsequent entry into force.

At the same time, it is an undeniable fact that the introduction of updated tariff quotas may result in significant export revenue losses for Ukrainian agricultural producers. According to preliminary estimates by UCAB, the transition from the EU’s Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), which expired on June 5, 2025, to a more limited access to the European market could lead to a decrease in foreign currency earnings of nearly €900 million.

 The implementation of the ATMs previously played an invaluable role in helping Ukrainian agricultural producers survive, especially during the early years of the war when access to traditional global markets was lost. Today, every euro earned from agri-exports means preserved jobs, tax revenues for the national budget, Ukraine’s capacity to defend itself against armed aggression, and a contribution to food security in Europe and globally.

Ukrainian farmers hope that the new agreements will provide them and their partners—consumers of Ukrainian agricultural products in the European Union—with the much-needed stability and predictability in trade conditions, as well as protection from politically motivated import restrictions.

An important part of this agreement package is the so-called “flanking measures”, aimed at supporting the return of Ukrainian agri-exports to their traditional markets. The European Commission has agreed to implement these measures as part of its commitments under the agreement. Financial, legal, and diplomatic support from the EU for Ukrainian agri-exports in the markets of the Global South could play a vital role not only in supporting Ukraine’s economy but also in strengthening the joint role of the EU and Ukraine as guarantors of global food security.

Additionally, UCAB members positively view the reached agreements as an extra incentive for Ukraine’s agricultural sector—supported by the state—to intensify the transition to European agricultural standards. We are proud of our members’ leadership in adhering to European standards and requirements in agricultural production, which are a key prerequisite for access to the EU market and cooperation with our European buyers and partners.