The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Ukraine came into force on July 1, opening up near-total tariff-free access for goods traded between the two countries.
Under the deal, 99 percent of Ukrainian imports of UAE goods and 97 percent of Ukrainian exports to the UAE are immediately exempt from customs duties. The agreement is projected to add $369 million to UAE GDP and $874 million to Ukraine’s GDP by 2031.
The timing matters. Non-oil trade between the two countries stood at $346.8 million in 2025, well below the $904.4 million peak recorded in 2021. The CEPA is designed to close that gap by reducing the cost of doing business across borders and expanding private-sector access in both directions.
“The UAE-Ukraine CEPA represents a landmark moment in our economic partnership. This agreement is designed to revitalise trade flows, unlock new avenues for investment, and foster collaboration across essential sectors, thereby benefiting both nations. By aligning our economic strategies, we can drive resilient and sustainable growth in an ever-evolving global landscape,” Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade said in a statement.
The deal is the UAE’s 37th CEPA, of which 17 are now in force. It follows a broader strategy of deepening bilateral economic relationships to reinforce the UAE’s position as a global trade hub, extending the country’s commercial reach into markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
