Economy

Thursday, March 20

The EU has limited access for US, UK, and Turkey companies to a €150B rearmament fund aimed at supporting the European defense industry.

The EU has limited access for US, UK, and Turkey companies to a €150B rearmament fund aimed at supporting the European defense industry. Companies based in the US, UK, and Turkey will not be allowed to participate in the €150B EU defense fund proposed by the European Commission unless their respective countries sign defense and securit...

Vollert, the German giant, is getting ready to build factories in Ukraine.

Vollert, the German giant, is getting ready to build factories in Ukraine. A German industrial consortium led by Vollert Anlagenbau GmbH is launching a network of high-tech factories dedicated to producing prefabricated reinforced concrete structures in Ukraine. These advanc...

Wednesday, March 19

Ukrainian financiers anticipate inflation to slow over the next year after reaching 13.4% in February.

Ukrainian financiers anticipate inflation to slow over the next year after reaching 13.4% in February. Consequently, according to the NBU, financial analysts in February 2025 maintained their inflation forecast at 7.8% for the upcoming 12 months. The public’s inflation expectations have improved ...

The Bundestag approves reform to Germany’s debt brake mechanism in order to increase defense spending and aid to Ukraine.

The Bundestag approves reform to Germany’s debt brake mechanism in order to increase defense spending and aid to Ukraine. The German government backed a €1T plan to invest in the country’s defense and infrastructure. During an emergency meeting on March 18, the German parliament approved a debt package – amendments...

British investors are ready to invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine; China also seeks to become involved.

British investors are ready to invest in the reconstruction of Ukraine; China also seeks to become involved. During a meeting between Ukrainian Deputy Development Minister Alena Shkrum, British government officials, and businesses, Britain expressed its readiness to invest in Ukraine’s reconstruction a...

Ukraine and Sweden will become partners in the energy field and the green transition.

Ukraine and Sweden will become partners in the energy field and the green transition. Ukraine and Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a partnership on energy issues and the green transition in the field of nuclear energy. The memorandum’s purpose i...

Ukrainian gunsmiths increased their production by more than 200% in 2024, and will continue to grow this year.

Ukrainian gunsmiths increased their production by more than 200% in 2024, and will continue to grow this year. In 2024, total arms production volume in Ukraine amounted to $10B, which is 200% more than in 2023 and 900% more than in 2022. However, Ukrainian manufacturers are only operating at 30-40% of their ca...

Developers in Kyiv prefer to build business-class housing, while budget residential complexes are built in the suburbs.

Developers in Kyiv prefer to build business-class housing, while budget residential complexes are built in the suburbs. During the last three years of war, construction costs in Kyiv have increased by 16% annually, according to average annual indicators of the indirect cost of housing construction in Ukraine. It is not...

Tuesday, March 18

The EU wants Ukraine to reorient its exports to African and Latin American countries, even though a membership date has been established.

The EU wants Ukraine to reorient its exports to African and Latin American countries, even though a membership date has been established. After more than ten years of preparing Ukrainian businesses for integration into the EU internal market, Ukraine is now being advised to shift its exports to “developing countries,” said D...

The EU is confident that Ukrainian exports of biomethane to the EU can be expanded.

The EU is confident that Ukrainian exports of biomethane to the EU can be expanded. The initial experience of exporting Ukrainian biomethane to Europe via the GTS in February 2025 was successful, so we can expect the project to grow in the future, says Anne Bercio, Trade Manager of t...

New developments in the Ukrainian agricultural market this spring: a review of new projects.

New developments in the Ukrainian agricultural market this spring: a review of new projects. A flour milling plant with a daily processing capacity of 120 tons of wheat is being built in Cherkasy. The production will be fully automated and equipped with machinery obtained from Turkish ÇIFT Ka...

Plans for the construction of industrial facilities in Ukraine have surpassed pre-war levels.

Plans for the construction of industrial facilities in Ukraine have surpassed pre-war levels. Due to the full-scale war, industrial construction in Ukraine has predictably declined, with nearly 500 large and medium-sized enterprises seriously damaged or destroyed. However, in the relatively sa...

The pace of housing construction in Kyiv continues to lag behind pre-war levels, while the suburban market is more active.

The pace of housing construction in Kyiv continues to lag behind pre-war levels, while the suburban market is more active. Between 2011 and 2023, over 9.39 million square meters of housing were put into operation annually in Ukraine, according to UTG analysts. Each year, approximately 13.7% (1.35 million square meters) we...

Monday, March 17

Ukraine needs an economy that grows at an explosive pace to overcome the war’s consequences – Entrepreneur Vyacheslav Mishalov

Ukraine needs an economy that grows at an explosive pace to overcome the war’s consequences – Entrepreneur Vyacheslav Mishalov During preparations for our UBN Network War & Investment live event in Kyiv, we decided to speak about investments with experts. And who is Ukraine’s foremost authority in the investment fie...

The G7 and Ukraine’s other allies vow to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire.

The G7 and Ukraine’s other allies vow to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire. The G7 countries have warned Russia of new sanctions if it does not halt hostilities with Ukraine. The G7 is preparing a statement that will stress the importance of reliable “security measures&...

The US has increased sanctions pressure on Russia by banning foreign companies from making payments for Russian energy resources.

The US has increased sanctions pressure on Russia by banning foreign companies from making payments for Russian energy resources. European countries can no longer buy oil from Russia. On March 12, the license that permitted Russian banks – such as Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, and the Russian Federation’s Central Bank – to conduct ...

Ukraine has selected 64 projects valued at over ₴2B for the joint Ukrainian Recovery Program with the EIB.

Ukraine has selected 64 projects valued at over ₴2B for the joint Ukrainian Recovery Program with the EIB. On March 13-14, the expert working group from the Ministry of Development and Trade selected 64 community projects to receive support under the Ukrainian Recovery Program. By the end of the first day,...

Ukraine’s business activity index has fallen to zero.

Ukraine’s business activity index has fallen to zero. According to the Institute for Economic Research, the business activity recovery index in Ukraine also fell to zero in February, marking the worst result in the last two months. Consequently, the bala...

Last year, Ukrainian developers started the construction of 70,000 apartments. Where was housing construction most active?

Last year, Ukrainian developers started the construction of 70,000 apartments. Where was housing construction most active? The number of apartments in residential buildings at the initial stage of construction in Ukraine in 2024 was just 70,000. The ranking of regions where the most housing is being built is as follows: K...

Sunday, March 16

The international order is shifting dramatically under Trump – what does it mean for Ukraine?

The international order is shifting dramatically under Trump – what does it mean for Ukraine? Ukraine Business Network (UBN Network) and Ukraine Business News (UBN) held a live event titled “War & Investments” in Kyiv on March 14. The main topic of discussion was Ukraine’s outl...

Thursday, March 13

Analysts compared EU countries’ spending on Russian energy and their support for Ukraine.

Analysts compared EU countries’ spending on Russian energy and their support for Ukraine. Experts examined EU countries’ total expenditures on Russian oil and gas imports, alongside the military, financial, and humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine from 2022 to 2024. Italy (€23.55B), ...

Ukraine plans to buy as much gas as possible from the US due to growing import demand.

Ukraine plans to buy as much gas as possible from the US due to growing import demand. Ukraine may buy significant volumes of American gas this year through terminals in Germany, Greece, Lithuania, and Poland, Reuters reports. These purchases are necessary in order to cover Ukraine̵...

Ukrainian metallurgists have lost their customs privileges in the US as new Trump tariffs take effect.

Ukrainian metallurgists have lost their customs privileges in the US as new Trump tariffs take effect. On March 12, a 25% import duty on steel and aluminum introduced by US President Trump came into force. This decision directly impacts Ukraine, which was previously exempt from duties on steel and stee...

Aurora’s logistics plans: Where is the retailer expanding its capacity?

Aurora’s logistics plans: Where is the retailer expanding its capacity? Aurora is continuing to invest in its logistics by opening a distribution center that spans over 7,000 square meters in Stoyanka, Kyiv region. This move marks the first stage of a significant investme...

Tax incentives have propelled the construction of solar power plants in Ukraine, and experts predict an increase in wind power capacity.

Tax incentives have propelled the construction of solar power plants in Ukraine, and experts predict an increase in wind power capacity. The construction of solar power plants in Ukraine accelerated in 2024 because the state canceled duties and VAT payments for investors importing solar panels starting July 1, said Vladyslav Sokolovsky...

Furniture retail is actively expanding in Ukraine, with both international and domestic manufacturers investing in new store openings.

Furniture retail is actively expanding in Ukraine, with both international and domestic manufacturers investing in new store openings. In 2024, international company JYSK launched 13 new stores in Ukraine and renovated eight existing ones, bringing the total number of its retail locations to 124. Last year, JYSK invested ₴278.5M ($6....

Wednesday, March 12

Ukraine accepted 30-day ceasefire and the US unfreezes its military aid and intelligence.

Ukraine accepted 30-day ceasefire and the US unfreezes its military aid and intelligence. Ukraine stated following over 8 hours of discussions in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of ...

The EU proposes to continue duty-free imports of Ukrainian steel, while simultaneously purchasing goods from Russia.

The EU proposes to continue duty-free imports of Ukrainian steel, while simultaneously purchasing goods from Russia. The European Commission has taken the initiative to continue supporting the Ukrainian metallurgical industry, leaving the current exemption from trade restrictions on steel imports from Ukraine to the...

While the US and Ukraine strive to reach a deal on minerals, TechMet is already planning to mine lithium in the Kirovograd region.

While the US and Ukraine strive to reach a deal on minerals, TechMet is already planning to mine lithium in the Kirovograd region. TechMet, an Irish mining company that specializes in mineral extraction and is partially owned by the US International Development Finance Corporation, intends to develop a lithium deposit in Ukraine....

A geologist explains what a mineral agreement between Kyiv and Washington should focus on.

A geologist explains what a mineral agreement between Kyiv and Washington should focus on. Recently, a potential agreement between Ukraine and the US on the extraction of minerals has been widely discussed with attention focused on rare earth metals. Natalia Bariatska, Doctor of Geological ...

The largest steel mill in Ukraine is seeking European partners for mining in the Dnipropetrovsk region.

The largest steel mill in Ukraine is seeking European partners for mining in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Mauro Longobardo, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, the largest steel mill in Ukraine, stated during the On the Road to URC 2025 event in Milan, “We urge potential Italian and other European...

Privatization continues to replenish Ukraine’s coffers; a household chemicals plant in Vinnytsia is the next item up for sale.

Privatization continues to replenish Ukraine’s coffers; a household chemicals plant in Vinnytsia is the next item up for sale. During the week of March 3 to 7, the State Property Fund of Ukraine (SPFU) conducted 16 successful online privatization auctions totaling ₴61.33M. The most expensive item was a complex of premises cov...

Ukraine looks to become a key biomethane supplier to the EU, aiming for a 20% market share.

Ukraine looks to become a key biomethane supplier to the EU, aiming for a 20% market share. According to Heorhiy Heletukha, the head of the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, Ukraine is on track to become the primary supplier of biomethane to Europe. He noted that in the future, the proportio...

Tuesday, March 11

Ukraine will receive 200% more IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles.

Ukraine will receive 200% more IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has signed a memorandum of understanding with German Diehl Defence, which produces IRIS-T systems and is “an important part of Ukraine’s air defense shie...

The EU launches a €1.6B call for proposals to support small businesses in Ukraine.

The EU launches a €1.6B call for proposals to support small businesses in Ukraine. The EU has initiated a new call for proposals aimed at assisting small businesses in war-affected communities and attracting investment for Ukraine’s reconstruction. An initiative through the Uk...

Investors believe that the war in Ukraine will soon come to an end.

Investors believe that the war in Ukraine will soon come to an end. Following Donald Trump’s re-election, investor sentiment has become more optimistic about Ukraine’s future. Markets have responded very positively to any advancements toward a long-term an...

Metal product imports are crowding out domestic production owing to the consequences of the war.

Metal product imports are crowding out domestic production owing to the consequences of the war. Imports of metal products to Ukraine increased by 6.4% last year, to 1.26 million tons. More than 50% of products supplied to the Ukrainian market are produced by Turkey. This stems from the fact that...

The Ukrainian labor market has recovered to 93% of its pre-war level.

The Ukrainian labor market has recovered to 93% of its pre-war level. Three years after the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukraine’s labor market stands at 93% of the pre-war level, according to a study by human resources portal Work.ua. In February 2025, employers ...

Monday, March 10

Ukraine is determined to sign a mineral agreement with the US, but Trump insists on a ceasefire before proceeding.

Ukraine is determined to sign a mineral agreement with the US, but Trump insists on a ceasefire before proceeding. Ukrainian leadership is keen to finalize this mineral agreement, which is crucial for the two nations’ partnership, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi, who made the statement...

What risks does the US face in halting the supply of weapons to Ukraine?

What risks does the US face in halting the supply of weapons to Ukraine? Most of the funding allocated to Ukraine has remained in the US through orders placed in its defense industry, so President Donald Trump’s decision will result in: Financial losses for defense c...

The EC is considering granting Ukraine access to the European single market as part of a final peace agreement.

The EC is considering granting Ukraine access to the European single market as part of a final peace agreement. The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will propose granting Ukraine access to the European single market as part of a final peace agreement. Ukraine’s access to a market wit...

In 2025, 250,000 square meters of new warehouse space will be launched in Kyiv.

In 2025, 250,000 square meters of new warehouse space will be launched in Kyiv. The volume of new supply planned for the capital’s warehouse real estate market in 2025 is 250,000 square meters. Last year, the volume of new supply increased by 79,000 square meters. Of the to...

The Ukrainian government has allocated ₴13B for reconstruction projects, and France will allocate €200M for these efforts.

The Ukrainian government has allocated ₴13B for reconstruction projects, and France will allocate €200M for these efforts. The state has designated ₴5B for reconstruction projects across 12 regions. This includes 150 projects under a joint program with the EIB, focusing on repair and construction of hospitals, schools, an...

Friday, March 7

To curb inflation, the NBU raised its key policy rate to 15.5%.

To curb inflation, the NBU raised its key policy rate to 15.5%. The Board of the National Bank of Ukraine decided to increase the discount rate by one percentage point to 15.5% per annum and adjust the parameters of its interest rate policy framework. These decisi...

Imports of goods from Poland surpass Ukrainian exports to that country by nearly 100%.

Imports of goods from Poland surpass Ukrainian exports to that country by nearly 100%. During a meeting with Polish business representatives, Ukraine’s Minister of Agricultural Policy, Vitaliy Koval, said that trade turnover between the two nations in 2024 reached $11.7B, with Pol...

Ukraine aims to increase its exports to $77B over the coming years.

Ukraine aims to increase its exports to $77B over the coming years. By 2030, Ukraine plans to boost export volumes to $77B (up from $51B last year) and raise their share of GDP to 33%, according to Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Kachka. Notably, the proportion of ra...

The EC and EIB sign a €2B guarantee to support recovery projects in Ukraine.

The EC and EIB sign a €2B guarantee to support recovery projects in Ukraine. The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed a guarantee agreement that will allow the EIB to invest at least €2B in urgent recovery and reconstruction projects in Ukrain...

BGV Group Management requires $450M in investment to launch a graphite project aimed at producing components for lithium-ion batteries.

BGV Group Management requires $450M in investment to launch a graphite project aimed at producing components for lithium-ion batteries. The BGV Graphite project will produce spherical graphite (SPG), a key material for lithium-ion batteries. According to preliminary calculations, it will require approximately $450M in investment, stat...

Thursday, March 6

Russian oil worth $1.3B is stuck at sea on tankers due to US sanctions, as China and India refuse to buy.

Russian oil worth $1.3B is stuck at sea on tankers due to US sanctions, as China and India refuse to buy. According to Bloomberg, Russian crude oil is trapped at sea because of sanctions imposed by the US in January. The value of the raw material being transported is $1.35B. Approximately 7.7 million barr...

Ukraine recorded a 35% increase in capital investments over the past year.

Ukraine recorded a 35% increase in capital investments over the past year. Last year’s capital investment totaled ₴534.4B, reflecting a 35.1% rise compared to 2023, according to the State Statistics Service. Most investments came from internal funds belonging to enterp...

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