Zelenskyy proposes U.S.-Ukraine free trade agreement to Trump – Ukraine's trade envoy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump outlining new opportunities for cooperation in defense and trade, proposed the conclusion of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Ukraine and the United States, Deputy Minister of Economy and Ukraine's Trade Representative Taras Kachka has revealed.
"To the best of my knowledge, President Zelenskyy addressed this proposal to President Trump in that letter. Accordingly, this will be the next phase of our discussions," Kachka said on Tuesday at the "Trade Wars: The Art of Defense" conference, organized by the law firm Ilyashev & Partners in Kyiv.
Kachka emphasized that Ukraine is keen on pursuing such an agreement, despite the fact that the United States is not among Ukraine's largest trading partners.
"We are interested in FTAs with all G7 countries. We already have agreements with the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. What we still need are the United States and Japan," he said.
He explained that an increasing number of manufacturers are building their export strategies around markets that are wealthier and more advanced, and which impose higher quality standards – ultimately generating greater added value and higher profitability.
"From that perspective, it is important for us to focus on the possibility of exporting to the U.S. and, accordingly, having a relevant free trade agreement," Kachka added.
In his view, the establishment of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund provides a strong basis for negotiating a bilateral FTA.
"That's why I think the United States might find this interesting. But we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves – we are still at the very beginning of this journey," the trade representative said.
Kachka had earlier reported that Ukrainian exports to the United States rose by 67% in 2024 to $869 million, accounting for 2.08% of total exports, while imports from the U.S. reached $3.4 billion, or 4.95% of total imports into Ukraine.
As for the possibility of lifting the 10% tariffs currently imposed by the United States on Ukrainian products, Kachka noted that until recently, the primary item on the bilateral agenda was the agreement on establishing the recovery investment fund. However, he also announced upcoming talks with U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer.
"It's also important to understand that the tariffs imposed by the United States – and the new approach being taken toward them – represent a certain new reality," Kachka added.
He concluded that no promises can be made at this stage because "we are really just at the starting line."
