After the review of the trade agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, new prospects have opened up for domestic farmers; however, additional restrictions have also emerged. According to estimates by experts from the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, the quotas for the export of Ukrainian products to the EU have become stricter compared to 2024, but they remain more favorable than those that were in place before the full-scale invasion of Russia in 2022.
This is reported by Business • Media
Changes in Export Quotas and New Opportunities
Notably, there has been an increase in the quota for sugar exports: whereas previously Ukrainian producers could supply 20,000 tons of this product to the EU annually, it has now risen to 100,000 tons. Since 2022, when the trade visa-free regime came into effect, the export of Ukrainian goods to the EU has shown steady growth. A significant portion of this export has been attributed to value-added products, positively impacting the development of the agricultural sector and the economy of the country as a whole.
Restrictions on Grain Exports and Market Reorientation
Despite the positive changes, certain categories of products, particularly grains, have come under new restrictions. Specifically, the export of wheat to the EU will significantly decrease: from 4 million tons, this quota will be reduced to 1.3–1.5 million tons per year. In this regard, experts predict a more active reorientation of Ukrainian farmers towards the markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. These regions remain traditional and important trading partners for Ukraine.
“Experts from the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council believe that domestic farmers have gained both new opportunities and certain limitations following the update of trade conditions between Ukraine and the EU. The agreed quotas are stricter compared to 2024, but still better than in 2021.”
Experts note that considering logistics, the supply of Ukrainian products to markets outside the EU will be more expensive. However, global demand for Ukrainian goods remains high, allowing for the preservation of competitiveness and the expansion of export geography even under new restrictions.