Following the extension of the trade visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU, Ukrainian farmers have gained both new opportunities and certain restrictions. Denys Marchuk, the Ukrainian Agri Council (UAC) Deputy Chairman, spoke about the consequences of the new conditions for Ukrainian producers.

"Thanks to the trade visa-free regime, which came into force in 2022, Ukrainian exports have grown steadily and consistently. And we are not only talking about raw materials — a significant part of value-added products also went to Europe. It is worth noting that Ukrainian goods have been well received in European markets — in Germany, Spain, and Italy, where our products are actively purchased. As for the existing restrictions, they are stricter than in 2024, but still better than in 2021. Previously, there was a quota of only 20,000 tons for sugar, but today we are talking about the possibility of exporting about 100,000 tons per year. These are significantly better indicators than they were before the start of the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation," he said.

At the same time, trade conditions with Europe have become more stringent for grains, particularly wheat.

“Restrictions have now been imposed on wheat: while we exported over 4 million tons last year, only 1.3–1.5 million tons are expected this marketing year. Therefore, in terms of further development of export directions, Ukraine will focus additionally on the markets of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East — these are our traditional partners," explained the Deputy Chairman of the UAC.

Despite the new conditions and logistical challenges, Ukrainian products continue to be in demand.

"From a logistical point of view, exports to markets outside the EU will be somewhat more expensive, but global demand remains high, primarily due to the shortage of high-quality food grain. Ukraine continues to be in demand, and despite the war, which has been going on for four years now, interest in Ukrainian products around the world is not diminishing," the expert concluded.