EU's autonomous trade measures for Ukraine come into force

European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom and Ukraine's Trade Representative and Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade Natalia Mykolska said this in a joint statement, according to the Ukrainian government website.

"Several important agricultural and industrial goods will now get better access to the EU market, as they can be exported tariff-free. This is an important sign of the EU's continued, tangible economic and political support for the Ukrainian people, the country and its reform efforts," reads the statement.

In particular, the EU Regulation on autonomous trade measures will top up the quantities of agricultural products that Ukraine can export to the EU under the Association Agreement without paying customs duties. It will also accelerate the elimination of EU import tariffs for several industrial products, as foreseen in the Association Agreement.

In terms of agricultural products, Ukraine will have an opportunity to export bigger quantities of wheat, maize, barley, oats and barley groats and pellets to the EU without customs tariffs. The proposal creates opportunities to export bigger amounts of processed tomatoes, natural honey and grape juice duty-free to the EU. These trade preferences will also benefit industrial sectors, for example Ukrainian producers of footwear, fertilizers, aluminum products and consumer electronics.

"In the first half of this year - according to Eurostat - trade in goods between the EU and Ukraine increased by 23% and the EU continues to strengthen its position as the first trade partner of Ukraine. Overall, the European Union accounts for around 40% of Ukraine's total exports and we ties between the EU and Ukraine, and support further expansion of Ukrainian exports to the EU, following the trade restrictions imposed by Russia," reads the statement. 

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