EU Council agrees to reduce or drop tariffs on selected Ukrainian agricultural products

On Monday, October 13, the EU Council adopted a decision outlining the position the EU will take in the EU–Ukraine Association Committee in its trade configuration. The decision concerns the reduction or elimination of customs duties for a range of agri-food products, including dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, and meat products.

The decision is based on the preliminary agreement on the review of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) reached by the European Commission and Ukraine on June 30, 2025.

The new rules provide for Ukraine’s gradual access to the European market, provided that Ukrainian production complies with EU standards in areas such as animal welfare, pesticide use, and veterinary medicines. For the most sensitive products — sugar, poultry, eggs, wheat, corn, and honey — access will remain limited and phased in, while full liberalization will mainly apply to milk and dairy products.

The decision also includes a safeguard mechanism that either party may activate in the event of market disruption. According to experts, the EU’s new position will help boost trade flows between the EU and Ukraine and strengthen economic cooperation.