EU Reinstates Tariff Quotas on Ukrainian Agricultural Exports in 2025

After nearly three years of tariff-free access, the European Union has reinstated trade quotas on agricultural products from Ukraine. The temporary suspension of duties, introduced in June 2022 to support Ukraine’s economy during wartime, officially ended on June 5, 2025.

According to Reuters on June 6, the decision marks a return to pre-war trade levels, though discussions are ongoing between Kyiv and Brussels to establish a new, long-term agreement. The European Commission has stated it aims to strike a balance between supporting Ukraine and addressing concerns from EU farmers about the influx of lower-cost Ukrainian goods.

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European Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski noted that upcoming negotiations will focus on finding a compromise between current quotas under the EU-Ukraine free trade zone and the more generous, autonomous trade measures that had been in place.

Ukraine, meanwhile, is advocating for increased quotas compared to pre-war levels. Agriculture Minister Vitalii Koval told Reuters that Kyiv is seeking more favorable conditions, especially as agriculture made up around 60% of Ukraine’s exports in 2024. He added that the restored limits could significantly impact trade volume.

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Commissioner Wojciechowski indicated that at least for certain products, such as sugar, new quotas would “significantly” exceed those in place before the war.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko expressed disappointment that the EU had not yet moved forward with proposals for a modernized and more liberal free trade agreement. According to her, the lack of progress on updated quotas affects about $3.5 billion in trade and could lead to an estimated $800 million in lost revenue for Ukrainian exporters.

While the current change marks a shift in the EU’s trade policy with Ukraine, both sides continue to emphasize their commitment to cooperation and economic partnership moving forward.

Earlier, it was reported that the European Union is preparing to reintroduce steep tariffs on Ukrainian imports in the coming weeks, a move that could deliver a significant blow to Ukraine’s war-time economy as it continues to resist Russian aggression.