Ukraine hopes to continue the autonomous trade preferences regime with the European Union after June 6, 2025, and is working on a plan to expand the “industrial visa-free regime” to cover the maximum number of goods.
This was stated by Deputy Minister of Economy – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka during committee hearings in the Verkhovna Rada regarding strategic guidelines for deepening trade and economic relations between Ukraine and EU countries, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ministry of Economy.
“We expect the extension of autonomous trade preferences after June 6, 2025. And at the same time, together with our partners, we are working very actively on trade liberalization in accordance with the Association Agreement. There is good news – the list of goods sensitive for the European Union is short – literally a few items. And we hope that we will find a solution for these goods,” Kachka noted.
He noted that one of the main challenges for Ukrainian exports remains the CBAM (carbon import adjustment) mechanism introduced by the European Union. Ukraine is negotiating a temporary exemption from this mechanism until the end of the war and the recovery period.
In addition, the Ukrainian side proposes to introduce a simplified declarative mechanism, under which Ukrainian enterprises will be able to submit reports on carbon emissions without paying additional fees.
“Considering the European Commission's initiative to postpone the full launch of the mechanism (in particular, the sale of CBAM certificates) until 2027, Ukraine will have more time for negotiations,” Kachka noted.
The third key area is the signing of an “industrial visa-free regime” (ACAA agreement).
“Work continues on a plan to significantly expand the ACAA Agreement to the maximum number of goods. According to estimates, it could cover up to 80% of industrial exports to the European Union. We are actively working to conclude the agreement this year,” Kachka noted.
As reported, the European Commission extended autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine for the next calendar year (from June 6, 2024 to June 5, 2025). At the same time, restrictions were introduced on imports to the EU of certain groups of goods (chicken meat, sugar and chicken eggs), which are “sensitive” for European agricultural producers.