As early as this year, at the request of the European Commission, the EU market is to be unilaterally opened for exports from Ukraine. It is estimated that Ukrainian companies will save up to EUR 487 million annually on customs duties, which will significantly contribute to the development of international transport.
This crucial event in the Ukrainian economy is a first step towards the introduction of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), which is to abolish customs duties between the European Union and Ukraine. It is supposed to bring the principal beneficiary annual economic growth at a level of around 5 % of GDP, and it is to be concluded after presidential elections that will be held on 25 May of this year.
New opportunities will be particularly beneficial for Ukrainian producers for whom export has not been profitable so far. Buyers from Western European countries to which Ukraine exports its chemical or agricultural products may also benefit from it. The changes will mainly affect the industrial, agricultural and food-processing sectors, where customs duties will be significantly reduced or completely abolished.