Ukraine has proposed implementing a schedule for exporting agricultural products to maintain duty-free trade.

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy has suggested a new mechanism for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU. This proposal arises because, according to RMF24, the EU plans not to extend the suspension of customs duties for Ukraine in June, which has been in effect since 2022. Instead, they are expected to conclude a new trade agreement under the DCFTA.

“Preferences for Ukraine were established in response to the ongoing war. We request their continuation; however, EU countries need predictability from us. Therefore, we have proposed a system to export products according to a set schedule, with a specific quantity each month,” Minister of Agriculture Vitaly Koval explained.

He noted the risk of extending trade preferences only to revoke them later.

“My primary challenge for this year is diversifying our exports. However, our agricultural products rely heavily on imports from the EU for fuel, seeds, mineral fertilizers, plant protection products, and machinery. We have the right to be in the EU market since we purchase a large share of production equipment there,” said Koval.