In a significant development for Ukraine's agricultural sector, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed his approval of an interim deal reached with the European Union (EU) on farm imports. Shmyhal described the agreement as "good news," emphasizing its positive implications for Ukrainian producers and the maintenance of export levels.
Under the provisional agreement, Ukrainian food producers will benefit from tariff-free access to EU markets until June 2025. This arrangement comes after months of negotiations and addresses concerns raised by EU farmers regarding environmental regulations and the influx of cheap imports.
Shmyhal, currently on a visit to Brussels, anticipates that the agreement will be finalized by the European Parliament next month. In a statement shared on the Telegram messaging app, he highlighted the significance of this "economic visa-free regime" in supporting Ukrainian producers, sustaining export momentum, and advancing integration into the EU single market.
Negotiators have agreed to limit imports of Ukrainian oats, maize, groats, and honey based on average levels from 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the European Commission proposed implementing measures, including an "emergency break," on poultry, eggs, and sugar imports to address potential surges beyond historical averages.
While details regarding potential import curbs remain under discussion, Ukrainian officials refrained from commenting on these measures.
Overall, the interim agreement signals a positive step forward in Ukraine's trade relations with the EU, providing greater market access for Ukrainian agricultural products and fostering closer economic ties between the two parties.
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