EC EXTENDS TRADE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE
On 5 June, the EU has extended the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), which include the suspension of import duties, quotas, and trade defense measures on Ukrainian exports, for another year. The decision reaffirms the EU's support for Ukraine and aims to alleviate the challenges faced by its producers and exporters due to Russia's unjustified military aggression.
By 15 September 2023, exceptional and temporary preventive measures on wheat, maize, rapeseed, and sunflower seed imports from Ukraine will be phased out. These measures were initially implemented to address logistical bottlenecks in certain Member States. The scope of the measures will be further reduced, covering only 6 tariff lines for the 4 products instead of 17.
To facilitate trade and address challenges, a Joint Coordination Platform has been established. Led by Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, the platform involves the Commission, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Its aim is to improve trade flows and transit of agricultural products. The progress of the Solidarity Lanes, which ensure smooth trade flows, will be monitored and, if any of the 5 Member States impose burdensome requirements on Ukrainian goods' transit, the Commission will reassess the need for preventive measures.
Since their implementation, on 4 June 2022, the ATMs have had a positive impact, allowing Ukraine to sustain trade with the EU amid disruptions caused by the war.
Source: European Commission