The UK has today announced new measures to support Ukraine in its
conflict with Russia by removing all tariffs covered by the
existing UK-Ukraine trade deal and hitting the Putin government
with fresh sanctions.
All tariffs on goods imported from Ukraine will now be reduced to
zero and all quotas will be removed under the free trade
agreement, providing Ukraine economic support in their hour of
need. The Prime Minister pledged to cut tariffs to support
Ukraine’s economy through this crisis when he visited Kyiv
earlier this month.
International Trade Secretary met Ukrainian
Ambassador to the UK His Excellency Vadym Prystaiko in London
last week to reiterate the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine
and set out the new measures.
Today’s announcement comes following a direct request from
President Zelenskyy’s government to liberalise tariffs and
support the Ukrainian economy. Removing tariffs on key Ukrainian
exports including barley, honey, tinned tomatoes and poultry will
help Ukrainian businesses and producers when they need it most.
International Trade Secretary 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, the UK has also announced an export ban on products
and technology that Russia could use to repress the heroic people
of Ukraine. Products targeted could include interception and
monitoring equipment. This will close any existing loopholes to
ensure that Russia is not buying these goods from the UK.
Last week the UK also announced it was bolstering its current
tariff sanctions against Russia, by increasing the list of
products facing import bans and increased tariffs, including
applying new import bans to silver and wood products and
increasing tariffs by 35 percentage points on products such as
diamonds and rubber.
The UK has led the international trade sanctions effort, already
banning the import of iron and steel products as well as the
export of quantum technologies, advanced materials and luxury
goods and cutting off any new UK Export Finance (UKEF) support
for Russia and Belarus.
