Joint statement by European Commissioner and Trade Representative of Ukraine
In a joint statement, European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström and Trade
Representative of Ukraine - Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade Nataliya Mykolska welcome the
entry into force of the autonomous trade measures of the European Union for
Ukraine on 1 October.
"This is good news for
Ukrainian exporters. Several important agricultural and industrial goods will
now get better access to the EU market, as they can be exported tariff-free.
This is an important sign of the
EU's continued, tangible economic and political support for the Ukrainian
people, the country and its reform efforts.
The EU Regulation on autonomous
trade measures will top up the quantities of agricultural products that Ukraine
can export to the EU under the Association Agreement without paying customs
duties. It will also accelerate the elimination of EU import tariffs for
several industrial products, as foreseen in the Association Agreement.
In terms of agricultural
products, Ukraine will have an opportunity to export bigger quantities of
wheat, maize, barley, oats and barley groats and
pellets to the EU without customs tariffs. The proposal creates opportunities
to export bigger amounts of processed tomatoes, natural honey and grape juice
duty-free to the EU. These trade preferences will also benefit industrial
sectors, for example Ukrainian producers of footwear, fertilisers,
aluminium products and consumer electronics.
We welcome the positive effects
of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free
Trade Area (DCFTA), which constitutes a blueprint for reform and fosters trade
and investment. In the first half of this year – according to Eurostat – trade in goods between the EU and Ukraine
increased by 23% and the EU continues to strengthen its position as the first
trade partner of Ukraine. Overall, the European Union accounts for around 40%
of Ukraine's total exports and we are convinced that this additional trade
opening will give a further boost in fostering strong trade ties between the EU
and Ukraine, and support further expansion of Ukrainian exports to the EU,
following the trade restrictions imposed by Russia.
The EU and Ukraine continue to
work to ensure the opportunities and benefits for EU and Ukrainian business
within the framework of the DCFTA".
Additional liberalizations for barley, wheat and maize will start
applying as from 1 January 2018.