On June 6, 2025, the temporary trade visa-free regime between Ukraine and the European Union expired. This special arrangement, introduced in 2022 in response to the Russian invasion, eliminated all tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian exports to EU countries, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to EUR-Lex.
The European Union decided not to extend the full trade liberalization. Instead, starting from June 6, a new regulation adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU came into effect. This regulation reintroduced partial tariffs on certain categories of Ukrainian products, notably eggs, poultry meat, sugar, and oats. These restrictions were requested by several EU member states, including France, Poland, and Bulgaria, which expressed concerns over damage to their domestic agricultural producers.
According to the European Commission, the new restrictions are temporary and will remain in force until June 5, 2026. During this period, tariffs will automatically be triggered if Ukrainian exports exceed the average volume recorded for 2022–2023.
At the same time, Ukraine and the EU continue negotiations for gradual integration into the EU single market. In particular, in 2024, Ukraine joined the EU’s Common Customs Tariff under the ACAA Agreement — the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products. This step allows Ukrainian companies to export industrial goods to the EU more easily without additional certification.
Currently, Ukraine remains a beneficiary of autonomous trade preferences, but the full removal of tariffs and quotas no longer applies. Ukrainian government representatives state that they will continue efforts toward further economic integration with the European Union.
Earlier we wrote that visa delays could cost U.S. billions in tourist revenue in 2025.