Ukraine intensifies work on expanding agro-exports and effective use of EU quotas

Under the chairmanship of Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi, an extended online meeting was held on agrilogistics, tariff quotas, and expanding access of Ukrainian products to foreign markets. The discussion involved representatives of the Ministry for Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Economy and Environment, the State Customs Service, Ukrzaliznytsia, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, as well as industry associations and businesses.

The main focus was on the state of exports and the rational use of available EU trade instruments, particularly WTO global quotas with reduced tariffs. Agricultural associations and businesses raised the issue of revising and increasing EU quotas for Ukrainian products such as sugar, starch-syrup products, alcohol, and bioethanol. Ukraine plans to initiate official consultations with the European Commission on updating trade conditions.

“Our goal is to use all available opportunities ‘here and now,’ while preparing for a global review of trade conditions. At present, we see significant reserves in global quotas, where the preserved tariff discount allows businesses to operate effectively today. At the same time, starting in September we plan to resume consultations with the European Commission on updating and increasing quotas for sensitive positions. To build a strong negotiating position, we need clear and well‑argued analytics from the real sector,” emphasized Taras Vysotskyi.

New opportunities for Ukrainian exports were also considered, particularly trade development with the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Norway under free trade agreements. This opens additional prospects for agricultural products and goods needed by the processing and fishing industries.

Special attention was given to rules for grain transit through EU countries. Exporters were reminded that if grain is later re‑exported to third countries, a Ukrainian phytosanitary certificate is mandatory; otherwise, re‑documentation in the EU will be impossible. Other critical agrilogistics issues considered included leasing of state property in ports, procedures for bills of lading, and licensing rules for transit grain.

A significant block of issues concerned port and railway logistics. Discussions covered the functioning of the ports of Greater Odesa during force majeure, development of the Danube region, maintaining critical status for port enterprises, and addressing the shortage of grain wagons by Ukrzaliznytsia.

Following the meeting, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food is processing proposals from businesses and relevant agencies. Some issues will be submitted to the Government for consideration, while trade matters will continue to be addressed at the international level.