UAE and Ukraine ink landmark trade deal to deepen economic cooperation

The UAE and Ukraine have signed a major trade deal to boost economic ties. It marks a significant step in expanding the UAE’s global trade network beyond its usual partners in Asia and the Middle East. Officials have hailed the agreement as a landmark for both nations. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) will remove or reduce tariffs on 99% of Ukrainian imports of UAE goods. It will also cut tariffs on 97% of Ukrainian exports to the UAE. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, described the deal as a historic moment for the partnership.

The agreement is set to revive trade flows and open new investment opportunities. It targets cooperation across key sectors, aiming to add $369 million to the UAE’s GDP and $874 million to Ukraine’s GDP by 2031. This comes as non-oil trade between the two countries reached $346.8 million in 2025, still below the 2021 peak of $904.4 million.

Ukraine becomes the UAE’s first European partner under its CEPA programme. The UAE has now signed 37 such agreements, with 17 already in force, as part of its strategy to diversify trade relationships. The deal is expected to strengthen economic links between the UAE and Ukraine. It will lower trade barriers and foster growth in multiple industries. By 2031, both economies could see substantial gains from the expanded partnership.