The European Parliament voted on May 9 to extend duty-free trade with Ukraine for another year. This was announced by "Radio Liberty" journalist Rikard Yozvyak on Twitter.
According to him, during the plenary session the relevant decision was supported by 537 deputies, while 42 parliamentarians voted «against» and another 38 «abstained».
As reported on the European Parliament's website, the decision made gives the "green light" to suspend EU import duties on exports of Ukrainian agricultural products for another year, which should support the country's economy.
It is about the unilateral suspension of both import duties and anti-dumping duties imposed by the EU on Ukrainian products.
“The suspension of tariffs affects fruit and vegetables, to which the entrance fee system applies, as well as agricultural and processed products, to which tariff quotas apply. According to the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, since January 1, 2023, industrial products are covered by the zero fee, so it is not included in the new offer,” the statement reads.
As reported, at the end of April, the permanent representatives of the European Union agreed to continue the elimination of import duties on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year. The decision will enter into force on the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Due to discussions among the EU countries, the EU Commission has imposed a temporary export ban on four agricultural products from Ukraine since May 2nd - Wheat, Corn, Rapeseeds and Sunflowers – imposed in five EU countries. This restriction is set as an exception and will be valid until June 5, 2023, but the validity period can be extended.
At the same time, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia pledged to lift their unilateral measures banning imports of agro-industrial products from Ukraine.
Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)