Free exports for Ukraine are a matter of the country’s economic resilience and global food security. Therefore, the Ministry of Economy is focused on expanding trade opportunities by bringing Ukraine’s agricultural sector closer to EU requirements and increasing quotas. This was stated by Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, Oleksii Sobolev, in an interview with Latifundist.com.
“The agricultural sector provides up to 60% of foreign currency earnings. Any delays or restrictions are quickly reflected both in the Ukrainian economy and in external markets. That is why the ministry’s focus is two-track. Increasing quotas ensures broader market access, while the transition to European standards makes it possible to use that access systematically. This course has also been закреплено in the amendments to the Association Agreement adopted in October,” the minister noted.
Oleksii Sobolev emphasized that expanding processing capacity is a priority of the country’s agricultural policy. In 2024, Ukrainian exports grew to USD 41–42 billion, but more than two-thirds of this volume is generated by agricultural raw materials, ore and steel, while the processing industry accounts for only about 10% of GDP, compared with around 20% typical of developed economies.
According to the minister, both restrictions and incentives help move away from a raw-materials model. Examples include export duties on sunflower seeds, which helped create a strong oil-extraction industry, and the ban on the export of round timber, which stimulated investment in wood processing and furniture manufacturing.
“We will continue to channel support into processing and logistics — through guarantees, concessional loans, interest compensation and donor programs. At the same time, we will simplify conditions for investors: faster permits, ready infrastructure, simplified changes in land use designation, and insurance against war risks,” Sobolev added.
In addition, agricultural producers can benefit from a number of programs united under the “Made in Ukraine” policy. These include a program compensating 25% of the cost of Ukrainian agricultural machinery, which has driven rapid growth in domestic agricultural engineering, as well as grants for processing enterprises providing up to UAH 8 million for new equipment. Support is also available for projects with significant investments, including two large agribusiness processing projects already underway, industrial parks, affordable 5-7-9 loans, Export Credit Agency products, and a range of other instruments.
