Duty-free trade between EU and Ukraine ends as quotas return

On June 6, the European Union reinstated the terms of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) in its trade relations with Ukraine. This marks the end of the duty-free regime and the reintroduction of tariff quotas for 30 categories of Ukrainian products, according to the EUR-Lex website.

These tariff quotas will be in effect from June 6 through December 31, 2025, and have been prorated to 7/12 of the annual limits, reflecting the seven months remaining in the calendar year.

See also
Duties and quotas are back. EU cuts trade support for Ukraine

The main quotas are as follows:

  • Wheat and wheat products: 583,333 tons
  • Barley: 204,167 tons
  • Corn: 379,167 tons
  • Beef: 7,000 tons
  • Pork: 11,667 tons
  • Milk and cream: 5,833 tons
  • Milk powder: 2,917 tons
  • Butter and milk fats: 1,750 tons
  • Eggs: 3,500 tons
  • Poultry: 52,511 tons

Tariff rates within these quotas are set at zero euros. The "first come, first served" principle applies to quota allocation.

For certain goods, the quotas are divided into sub-periods—"June–September" and "October–December"—to encourage a more balanced distribution of supplies throughout the year.

According to the National Bank of Ukraine, Ukrainian exporters stand to lose approximately $800 million as a result of the return to pre-war trade conditions with the EU.

  • In May 2022, the EU suspended duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports. Beginning in 2024, quotas for "sensitive" agricultural products were reintroduced, although the overall duty-free regime was extended until mid-2025.
  • In 2024, the European Union exported goods worth €42.8 billion and imported €24.5 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of €18.3 billion.
  • Ukraine, in contrast, continues to import nearly twice as much as it exports. In the first four months of 2025, the country recorded a foreign trade deficit of $11.5 billion (across all trading partners, not just the EU).