Demand for Ukrainian products is growing in EU countries.
Ukrainian apples received permission to export to Canada after negotiations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection with the Canadian side.
EastFruit writes about this.
“In the context of full-scale Russian aggression, we pay special attention to supporting the Ukrainian economy and Ukrainian exporters. A strong economy and sustainable enterprises play a critical role in the overall defense capability of our country. Therefore, together with the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, we continue to create new opportunities for Ukrainian producers, liberalize trade, and open doors to new foreign markets,” said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
The head of the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Serhiy Tkachuk, emphasized that the demand for Ukrainian products is growing on the international market, and Canada is opening its market for Ukrainian apples. He noted that the State Service, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working on each request from businesses to open new markets and is considering not only individual countries, but the entire world map: America, the EU countries, Africa and East Asia.
Canada updated import requirements for Ukraine in its Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and approved the Ukrainian Apple (Malus domestica) Export Program to Canada. This program includes key aspects regulating the process of exporting apples from Ukraine to the Canadian market.
Trade wars between the US and Canada
On February 1, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on all Mexican and Canadian goods, with the exception of oil and energy, which are subject to a 10% tariff. The measures were aimed at reducing the US trade deficit, combating illegal immigration and stopping the flow of fentanyl across the borders with Canada and Mexico.
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% tariffs on C$30 billion worth of American goods, with plans to expand to C$155 billion within three weeks. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also announced tariffs and other economic measures against the United States.
Both countries argue that the U.S. actions violate the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), ratified in 2020. Economists warn that such tariffs could seriously disrupt trade between the countries, destabilize supply chains and raise prices for consumers.
On February 3, 2025, Canada and Mexico agreed with the United States to delay the tariffs for a month. Mexico agreed to send 10,000 National Guard troops to the border to combat drug trafficking, and Trump promised to take steps to reduce arms shipments to Mexico. Canada agreed to appoint a “special representative on fentanyl,” designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and commit $200 million to a new intelligence program to combat organized crime and fentanyl trafficking. Despite efforts by Mexico and Canada to cooperate, the tariffs were implemented on March 4, 2025.
Agricultural sector of Ukraine in the conditions of war
As of early March 2025, Ukraine continues to demonstrate positive dynamics in the agricultural sector. In February, 4.9 million tons of agricultural products were exported, which is 1.3% less than in January. In particular, grain exports amounted to 3.4 million tons, of which 53% was corn, 34% wheat and 2% barley. Supplies of oilseeds increased by 19% to 418.2 thousand tons, of which 91% were soybeans and 7% were rapeseed.
In February, there was a significant increase in the export of agricultural products by road transport: 41.6% more than in the same period in January, reaching 248.4 thousand tons.
In 2025, agricultural production in Ukraine is projected to grow by 3% compared to 2024. However, this figure will still be below pre-war levels due to the impact of war, climate change and other challenges.
Despite positive trends, the agricultural sector faces serious challenges, including the consequences of war, climate change and labor shortages. Losses in the agricultural sector in 2024 are estimated at more than $80 billion, and about 20% of agricultural land is under occupation.
The agricultural sector of Ukraine demonstrates resilience and gradual recovery; to achieve pre-war indicators, it is necessary to overcome numerous challenges and obstacles.
In 2024, Ukraine exported agricultural products worth $24.5 billion, which is 59% of the country's total exports.
In 2025, agricultural production is projected to grow by 3.0% compared to the previous year, which could have a positive impact on export volumes, including walnuts.