EU Revokes Ukraine’s Trade Benefits

The European Union has officially withdrawn Ukraine’s preferential trade status, ending the tariff exemptions that had been in place since 2022 to support the war-torn country’s economy.

The move, announced by the European Commission, reinstates customs quotas and tariffs on Ukrainian goods under the terms of a 2016 trade agreement.

The transitional arrangements took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday and will remain in force until a new trade agreement is negotiated.

This policy shift marks a significant change in EU-Ukraine economic relations, as Ukrainian exports will now be subject once again to the regulatory framework outlined in the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

The EU had originally suspended tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian imports in June 2022 as a temporary measure to bolster the country’s economy amid the Russian invasion. While the measure was extended last year, it introduced tighter controls on sensitive agricultural imports such as grain, maize, eggs, and poultry.

The rollback of trade privileges follows mounting pressure from farmers across several EU member states, particularly in Eastern Europe.

They argue that the influx of low-cost Ukrainian produce has severely undercut local agricultural markets. Protests in countries including Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia have intensified in recent months, with farmers calling for urgent protective measures.

France also voiced concerns, pushing for stricter customs enforcement and fairer trade practices to safeguard domestic industries.