The negative balance of trade in services was formed mostly as a result of spending by Ukrainian refugees abroad. The import of services to Ukraine for the 3 quarters of 2023, compared to the corresponding period of 2021, increased by 87%, despite the fact that the export of services from Ukraine reduced by 7% during the analyzed period.

The role of the EU as a trade partner of Ukraine has grown significantly. The absolute amount of export of goods to the EU in January–September 2023 almost corresponded to its value in January–September 2021 – 16,1 billion US dollars. The share of the EU in Ukrainian exports increased from 37% in 2021 to 62,5% in 2023.

While export from Ukraine to all partner countries reduced by 42% in 2 years, export to the EU reduced by only 2%. This is explained both by the openness of the western border of Ukraine during the war (in contrast to other directions), and by the cancellation of all customs duties, quotas and trade protection measures for Ukrainian exports by the decisions of the EU Council. Such mitigation related to rates on fruits and vegetables, as well as agricultural products and products of their processing, which were previously subject to tariff quotas.

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