Controlling Ukraine’s trade with the EU is more effective than imposing restrictions

Ukraine will be able to ensure predictability of trade flows to the European Union, and this will be more effective than the introduction of tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural products by the European Commission after the expiration of autonomous trade measures on June 5. This opinion was expressed by Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative of Ukraine.

“It is about the attention (of the Ukrainian government – Ed.) to trade flows, the agreements between Ukraine and the EU in 2023-2024, regional control over the flow of grain products from Ukraine to the neighboring five member states and the export license system introduced by Ukraine. This is evidence that we are listening to our partners’ concerns. We are convinced that we can ensure predictability of trade flows from Ukraine to the EU better than any tariffs,” he said.

The trade representative reminded that Ukraine buys many resources and products needed for the production of Ukrainian agricultural products from the EU. Therefore, the products supplied by Ukraine have a European component, and there can be no bias towards them.

Kachka noted that Ukraine is actually a pillar of support for the EU farming community, as Ukrainian agricultural products help to maintain price stability on the EU market and cover deficits.

“We support producers in the EU, and we are also big customers of EU producers,” he emphasized.

Kachka emphasized that the sooner Ukraine and the EU fully liberalize trade, including in agricultural products, the more opportunities Ukrainian and European farmers will have to adapt. In the medium and long term, Ukraine is the solution to all the EU’s challenges in agriculture, he emphasized.

“Today, the whole world is discussing duties, their expansion, and their benefits. This is about the US administration’s decision to impose additional duties on EU products and make them higher than on Ukrainian goods. This is really painful (decision – Ed.) and sometimes we see the reaction of the European Union,” Kachka drew an analogy with the US quota on EU goods and the attitude of European countries to the quota on Ukrainian agricultural products.

He added that it would be inappropriate to discuss the EU imposing tariffs on Ukrainian products.

“It is important for us – for Ukraine and the European Union – to maintain and improve market access, as it is important for both sides,” the Ukrainian trade representative summarized.

Tags: Ukraine, EU