If you are a manufacturer or retail company in Ukraine, this article is for you. Not general statements about the “benefits of foreign markets”, but specifics: what is happening with Ukrainian exports right now, which goods perform best, where to realistically sell, and where companies most often lose money on their first shipment.
What Is Happening with Ukrainian Exports: 2025–2026 Figures
In 2025, Ukraine’s total merchandise exports amounted to $40.3 billion. The EU remains the primary destination – EU countries accounted for 57.8% of all exports.
In 2025, Ukraine’s trade turnover reached $125.1 billion, exceeding the 2024 figure of $112.3 billion. China, Poland, and Germany remain the main trading partners, with food products, metals, and machinery as the key export categories.
In January 2026, Ukrainian exports were directed primarily to Poland – $358 million, Turkey – $276 million, and Italy – $232 million.
What this means for your business: despite everything, the market is functioning and the geography has stabilised. Companies that entered export markets in 2022–2023 already have regular buyers in the EU, receive foreign currency revenue, and are significantly less dependent on fluctuations in domestic demand.
Which Goods Perform Best – and Why This Matters for You
The agricultural sector remains the backbone of Ukrainian exports. In 2025, agri-food products generated $22.5 billion in foreign currency revenue, although their share of total exports declined from 59.2% to 55.8%. The largest items were sunflower oil – $5.22 billion, corn – $3.90 billion, wheat – $2.99 billion, soybeans – $1.33 billion, and poultry – $1.09 billion.
Metals and metal products remained the second major pillar: in 2025 this group brought in $4.7 billion (versus $4.4 billion in 2024). Leaders include iron ore and concentrates ($2.34 billion) and hot-rolled flat-rolled steel ($829 million).
In the second quarter of 2025, the share of mechanical engineering in exports grew to 9.9% ($998.8 million), which is 1.5% more than in 2024. Telephone handsets (+40.7%) and industrial equipment showed positive dynamics.
Timber and wood products accounted for 4.3% of total export revenue in 2024. Chemical products – 3.9%.
What this means specifically for a manufacturer or retailer:
If you are a food manufacturer – the EU agricultural market is open, but competition is growing. Those who sell a value-added product rather than raw materials win: processed canned goods, specialised nutrition, organic products.
If you are a furniture manufacturer, timber processor, or building materials producer – the Polish, Czech, and Romanian markets consistently absorb Ukrainian products. This is one of the most accessible directions to start with. Learn more about freight transportation Ukraine⇄Poland and goods export from Germany on our website.
If you produce clothing, cosmetics, or consumer goods – there is demand in Poland and the Czech Republic. Daleth Group has direct experience in customs clearance and delivery of branded clothing, accessories, and cosmetics to the EU and Israel.
If you are a retailer with your own private label – selling through EU marketplaces (Amazon.de, Allegro, Kaufland Marketplace) plus physical delivery through a consolidation warehouse in Poland is a viable scheme right now.
Where to Start: Four Decisions Made Before the First Shipment
- Define the right market for your product
Not “a country that seems easy”, but one where there is real demand for your category and where you are competitive on price or quality. Poland remains the main sales market for Ukrainian goods – $358 million in January 2026 alone. For most Ukrainian manufacturers, this is the most convenient starting point: logistics are well-established, there is a diaspora, and the market is familiar with Ukrainian brands. Romania and the Czech Republic are the next step.
Useful tools: Trade Map (ITC), State Statistics Service database, ECA materials.
- Check the certification requirements for your product
For food products – HACCP confirmation; for cosmetics – compliance with EU Cosmetics Regulation; for electronics and equipment – CE marking. The absence of the required certificate means not a delay, but the return of the cargo at your expense.
- Define delivery terms under Incoterms 2020
For the first shipment, most manufacturers choose FCA (transfer to the carrier at the warehouse or customs terminal) – minimal seller responsibility for logistics while being convenient for the buyer. DAP – if you want to control the entire chain and deliver to the client’s warehouse in the EU.
- Open a foreign currency account and check NBU requirements
Settlements under a foreign trade contract – within 365 days from the shipment date (current NBU regulation). Violation results in financial penalties. Foreign currency revenue in euros or dollars protects against exchange rate risks: at a rate of 42+ UAH/USD, even a small overseas shipment generates significantly more margin than an equivalent domestic sale.
Export Documents: What to Prepare and Who Is Responsible
Standard package for exporting goods from Ukraine:
Foreign trade contract – with all mandatory details, payment terms, Incoterms, and an arbitration clause.
Commercial invoice – goods name, quantity, value, payment terms.
Packing list – detailed breakdown of each cargo unit.
CMR consignment note – mandatory for road transport to the EU.
Customs declaration – prepared by a customs broker in the ASMT system.
EUR.1 certificate of origin – provides a zero or preferential customs duty rate in the EU under the Association Agreement. Without it, the buyer pays the standard duty – and your goods become more expensive than competitors.
Phytosanitary / veterinary certificates – mandatory for food products, plants, and products of animal origin.
Insurance policy – under CIF or CIP terms, and under any other terms at the shipper’s discretion.
Daleth Group prepares and verifies the entire document package before shipment – so that errors are not discovered at the border.
Customs Clearance: What Happens in Practice
The export customs declaration is processed in the electronic ASMT system. Physical inspection – not always, but the probability depends on the product category and the sender’s previous track record in the system. For food cargo – mandatory veterinary or phytosanitary inspection with sample collection is required.
With a complete document package, customs clearance takes several hours. Delays occur for three reasons: an incomplete package, discrepancies between the CMR and the invoice, or an inspection being assigned. Daleth Group provides customs brokerage services at customs offices in Kyiv, Volyn, Lviv, Odesa, and Ternopil regions.
Logistics for Your Profile: Manufacturer vs Retailer
If you are a manufacturer with regular shipments – the optimal scheme is FTL (full truck load) on the route Ukraine – Poland / Romania / Czech Republic with a T1 declaration under Daleth Group’s general guarantee. Daleth Group is the leader in Ukraine for T1 processing to 36 NCTS countries under its own financial guarantee. This reduces the cost of each shipment compared to a one-time guarantee.
If you are a retailer or small business with small batches – LTL (groupage cargo) through a consolidation warehouse in Poland (Chelm or Warsaw). Your goods travel together with others to the warehouse, then are distributed to addresses across the EU. This significantly reduces logistics costs for small volumes.
For distant destinations (Israel, Asia, USA) – air freight or sea container shipping through the ports of Romania (Constanta) or Poland (Gdansk / Gdynia). Daleth Group organises the complete international logistics cycle from the warehouse in Ukraine to the destination point.
Typical Mistakes That Cost Money
| Mistake | Real consequences | How to avoid |
| Incorrect UKT ZED code | Customs blocking, re-filing, fine | Agree the code with the broker before the first shipment |
| No EUR.1 certificate | Buyer pays standard EU duty instead of preferential | Issue a certificate of origin for every shipment |
| Incorrect contract | Problems with currency control, party claims | Check mandatory details before signing |
| Ignoring market certification requirements | Return or destruction of cargo at the EU border | Check product category requirements in advance |
| No insurance | In case of accident or theft – zero compensation | Insure even under FCA terms |
| Overly optimistic deadlines for the buyer | Reputational losses, late delivery penalties | Build in a 1–2 day buffer for each border crossing |
The Financial Side: VAT, Currency, Pricing
The zero VAT rate on most product categories upon export allows recovery of “input” VAT – a real advantage for manufacturers with significant volumes of materials and raw material purchases. At volumes of $100,000 per year and above, VAT refunds become a meaningful source of liquidity.
When pricing for a foreign buyer, factor in: customs costs on their side (if the term is EXW or FCA), certification costs, broker commission, and logistics to the client’s warehouse. If your FCA price from a warehouse in Ukraine is competitive – that is your market entry point.
The Role of a Logistics Partner: What Daleth Group Takes On
Daleth Group is an international logistics operator with its own offices in the EU and Israel. Over 15 years of experience with various cargo types: medical devices, branded clothing, cosmetics, chemical products, consumer goods, industrial equipment.
What we handle:
- customs brokerage (Kyiv, Volyn, Lviv, Odesa, Ternopil customs offices);
- T1 processing under a general financial guarantee for 36 NCTS countries;
- selection of the optimal route and transport (FTL, LTL, rail, air, sea);
- preparation and verification of the complete document package;
- warehousing and cargo consolidation in Poland;
- EUR.1 certificates of origin, ISO certificates, conformity declarations;
- cargo tracking and rapid response in emergency situations.
Learn more about international logistics and customs brokerage services on our website.
Conclusion
Exporting from Ukraine in 2026 is not “someday in the future” – it is now. The EU has consolidated its position as the primary foreign trade direction: 57.8% of all merchandise exports. Companies that already have regular buyers in Poland, Romania, or the Czech Republic receive foreign currency revenue and independence from the domestic market – along with a competitive advantage over those who are still only considering it.
If you are planning your first or next shipment and want to do it without unnecessary risks – contact Daleth Group. We will select the route, calculate the logistics, and handle all customs matters.
FAQ
How to start exporting goods from Ukraine?
Register as a foreign trade entity, open a foreign currency account, conclude a contract with a foreign buyer, prepare the documents, and organise international logistics through a customs broker or logistics operator.
What documents are needed to export goods?
Contract, invoice, packing list, CMR consignment note, customs declaration, EUR.1 certificate of origin, and industry-specific permits – depending on the type of goods.
Is a EUR.1 certificate required for every shipment?
Yes – if you want your buyer in the EU to receive preferential or zero duty under the Association Agreement. Without EUR.1, the standard EU rate applies.
Which Ukrainian goods are easiest to bring to the EU market?
Processed food products, furniture and timber products, cosmetics and personal care items, clothing and textiles, building materials. Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic are the most accessible markets to start with.
How long does export clearance take?
With a complete document package – from a few hours to one business day. Delays occur due to incomplete documentation or a customs inspection being assigned.
Are there benefits for Ukrainian manufacturers when exporting to the EU?
Yes – the Association Agreement provides zero or reduced duty rates for most product categories. To receive the benefit, a EUR.1 certificate is required. More details on processing – in the customs brokerage services section.