New trade measures announced in support of Ukraine

The UK government has cut tariffs on all goods from Ukraine as part of its economic support of the country’s defence against Russian military aggression.

The UK has announced the end to all tariffs covered by the existing UK-Ukraine trade deal, in addition to further sanctions on Russia.

All tariffs on goods imported from Ukraine will now be reduced to zero and all quotas will be removed under the free trade agreement, following a direct request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Key exports including barley, honey, tinned tomatoes and poultry will have tariffs removed to help the country’s businesses and producers when they need it most.

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who proposed the measures to Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko in London last week, said:

“The UK will continue to do everything in its power to support Ukraine’s fight against Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion and help ensure the long-term security and prosperity of Ukraine and its people.

“We stand unwaveringly with Ukraine in this ongoing fight and will work to ensure Ukraine survives and thrives as a free and sovereign nation.”

In addition to liberalising UK-Ukraine trade, the government has also announced a number of further sanctions on the Russian Federation. These include an export ban on products and technology that Russia could use to repress the Ukrainian people, including interception and monitoring equipment, and will close loopholes to prevent Russia securing such goods from the UK.

The list of Russian goods facing import bans and increased tariffs has also grown, with bans extended to silver and wood products; tariffs on Russian diamonds, rubber and other exports have also been increased by 35 percentage points. Imports of iron and steel products are already prohibited, along with the export of quantum technologies, advanced materials and luxury goods from the UK. New UK Export Finance support for Russia and Belarus has also been cut off.