Ukraine and the UAE are launching a free trade area on 1 July
This was announced by the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the governments of Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates will enter into force on 1 July 2026.
The document was signed on 17 February 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The Verkhovna Rada ratified it by Law No. 4802-IX of 26 February 2026.
The main aim of the agreement is to establish a free trade area between Ukraine and the UAE. This means that the parties will gradually remove customs duties and simplify trade in goods and services.
For Ukrainian businesses, this opens up preferential access to the market of the United Arab Emirates. It means it will be easier to export Ukrainian products to a country that is one of the key trading hubs in the Middle East.
What this means for Ukrainian manufacturers
The launch of the free trade area could help Ukrainian companies expand their export markets and reduce costs when entering the UAE market.
For manufacturers, this means simpler trading conditions, lower customs duties and potentially greater competitiveness for Ukrainian goods in the Emirati market.
The agreement also covers trade in services, so it is important not only for exporters of goods but also for companies operating in the fields of logistics, technology, consultancy, finance and other services.
What will change in customs cooperation
The agreement provides for deeper cooperation between the customs administrations of Ukraine and the UAE.
The parties plan to conclude a separate agreement on mutual customs assistance. This is intended to lay the foundations for the exchange of information, the prevention of breaches of customs legislation and the investigation of such breaches.
This is important for businesses, as more effective customs cooperation can speed up the clearance of goods and reduce risks during export and import.
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