EU lets trade concessions for Ukraine expire

Brussels (dpa) – The European Union has allowed trade advantages for Ukraine to expire, ending a system of tariff exemptions introduced shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

According to the European Commission, transitional arrangements took effect at midnight (2200 GMT Thursday) and will remain in place until a new trade agreement is negotiated.

The change means Ukrainian goods are now once again subject to tariff quotas under a pre-existing 2016 agreement.

In June 2022, the EU lifted customs duties on Ukrainian imports in a bid to support the war-torn country’s economy. The measures were extended last year but included stricter limits on certain agricultural imports such as grains, maize, eggs, and poultry.

Farmers in eastern Europe push back

The exemptions had sparked protests from farmers in several EU member states, particularly in the east, who argued that cheap Ukrainian imports were undercutting local markets. There were also voices in France calling for stricter customs rules.

According to EU diplomats, national agricultural interests played a role in the debate over the expiry of trade concessions.

From now until the end of 2025, Ukraine will only be allowed to export up to seven twelfths of the annual quotas set under the earlier agreement.

The European Commission said it was working swiftly on a new agreement that would also address the concerns of EU member states and farmers. (6 June)