Following in the footsteps of Britain and Canada, the EU is abolishing tariffs on Ukrainian goods for a year

To support Ukraine's economy during the war, the European Parliament decided to abolish import duties on all Ukrainian goods for a year. Deputies proposed to completely abolish customs duties on imports of industrial products, fruits, vegetables, agricultural products, as well as anti-dumping duties and safeguards on steel imports. At the same time, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Eduard Heger, proposed that the EU abolish import duties on Ukraine forever.

The decision of the European Parliament must be approved by the EU Council, after which the document will be published in the Official Journal of the EU and then enter into force.

The European Union is one of Ukraine's main trading partners. In 2021, EU countries purchased 40% of goods exported from Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine is the EU's 15th trading partner, buying 1.2% of European exports.

Earlier, Ukraine and the United Kingdom signed an agreement on the bilateral abolition of import duties and tariff quotas for a period of 1 year, which may be extended by agreement of the parties. Later, Canada also abolished tariffs on Ukrainian goods.

In order to support the metallurgical industry, one of the most important for Ukraine's economy, the United States abolished 232 duties on Ukrainian steel and steel products per year.

Against the background of blocked seaports, Ukraine is resuming grain exports with the help of European partners. In 2021/22 MY as of May 19, 46.5 million tons of grain have already been exported compared to 40.85 million tons on the same date last year. In May, 643 thousand tons of grain were exported (1.8 million tons in May 2021), of which 617 thousand tons of corn, 16 thousand tons of wheat and 8 thousand tons of barley.