The autonomous trade measures of the European Union for Ukraine that were finally approved by the European Parliament on September 13 will become effective on October 1, according to a joint statement by European Commissioner for Trade Malmstrom and Trade Representative of Ukraine - Deputy Minister for Economic Development and Trade Nataliya Mykolska.
"This is good news for Ukrainian exporters. Several important agricultural and industrial goods will now get better access to the EU market, as they can be exported tariff-free. This is an important sign of the EU's continued, tangible economic and political support for the Ukrainian people, the country and its reform efforts," the statement said.
The EU Regulation on autonomous trade measures will top up the quantities of agricultural products that Ukraine can export to the EU under the Association Agreement without paying customs duties. It will also accelerate the elimination of EU import tariffs for several industrial products, as foreseen in the Association Agreement.
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"We welcome the positive effects of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and its Deep and Comprehensive Free trade Area (DCFTA), which constitutes a blueprint for reform and fosters trade and investment. In the first half of this year – according to Eurostat – trade in goods between the EU and Ukraine increased by 23% and EU continues to strengthen its position as the first trade partner of Ukraine," the statement said.
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The EU and Ukraine say they continue to work to ensure the opportunities and benefits for EU and Ukraine business within the framework of the DCFTA.
Additional liberalizations for barley, wheat and maize will start applying as from January 1, 2018.