Ukraine hopes for the continued operation of the autonomous trade preferences regime with the European Union after June 6 and is working on a plan to expand the “industrial visa-free regime” to the maximum number of goods.
This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Economy – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka during committee hearings in the Verkhovna Rada on strategic guidelines for deepening Ukraine’s trade and economic relations with EU countries.
“We expect the continuation of autonomous trade preferences after June 6. At the same time, together with partners, we are very actively working on trade liberalization in accordance with the Association Agreement. There is good news – the list of goods that are sensitive for the European Union is short – literally a few items. And we hope that we will find a solution for these goods,” Kachka noted.
He noted that one of the main challenges for Ukrainian exports remained the CBAM mechanism (carbon import adjustment), which was introduced by the European Union. Ukraine is currently negotiating a temporary exclusion from the mechanism until the end of the war and the reconstruction period.
In addition, the Ukrainian side proposes to introduce a simplified declarative mechanism, under which Ukrainian enterprises will be able to submit reports on carbon emissions without paying additional fees.
“Given the European Commission’s initiative to postpone the full launch of the mechanism (in particular, the sale of CBAM certificates) to 2027, Ukraine will have more time for negotiations,” Kachka noted.
The third key area is the signing of the “industrial visa-free” (ACAA agreement).
“Work is underway on a plan to significantly expand the ACAA Agreement to the maximum number of goods. According to estimates, it can cover up to 80% of industrial exports to the European Union. We are actively working to conclude an agreement this year,” Kachka noted. (Ukrinform)