MFA's comment on trade preferences of EU to Ukraine

The European Parliament at its plenary session on April 3, supported the proposal of the European Commission concerning granting of a package of autonomous trade preferences of the EU to Ukraine, under which the European Union unilaterally expand customs privileges on Ukrainian exports to the EU stipulated by the provisions of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU in the part of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.

In accordance with the procedure, the package of EU autonomous trade preferences to Ukraine comes into force after its approval by the Council of the European Union; the decision will be passed soon. The positive economic impact for Ukrainian exporters in connection with the abolition or reduction of customs tariffs under the EU decision is estimated at the level of 487 million euros annually.

In this context, Ukraine welcomes European Parliament support of the above mentioned proposals of the European Commission.

Granting of autonomous trade preferences, the European Union, in practice, demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine and make a real step designed to encourage the growth of the Ukrainian economy and bilateral trade with the EU.

Ukraine highly appreciates the unparalleled efficiency of preparation and processing of the decision in the European Commission and the European Parliament.

We hope that the introduction of autonomous preferences already in May of this year, will allow Ukrainian producers to feel the benefits of a deep and comprehensive free trade area between Ukraine and the EU and prepare the proper foundation for its further full launch.