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On July 14, 2015, Prime Minister Harper announced that Canada and Ukraine have successfully concluded negotiations toward the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) which will boost commercial ties between the two countries. Canada and Ukraine launched free trade negotiations in 2010. Six rounds of negotiations were held between 2010 and 2015. Negotiations concluded in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 9, 2015. The announcement said that:
The CUFTA will provide improved market access for Canadian exports to the Ukrainian market, help address non-tariff barriers and facilitate closer economic relations. In addition, the CUFTA will provide Ukrainian exports with improved access to the Canadian market, which is consistent with the Government’s unwavering commitment to support Ukraine’s democratic transition and economic reforms.
Once the Agreement enters into force, Canada and Ukraine will immediately eliminate duties on 99.9 per cent and 86 per cent of respective current imports, thereby benefiting both Canadian and Ukrainian exporters and consumers. The Agreement will result in the elimination of all Ukrainian tariffs on industrial goods, forestry and wood products, fish and seafood products, as well as the elimination of the vast majority of Ukraine’s agricultural tariffs. Canadian agriculture exporters will benefit from duty-free access for beef, pulses, grains, canola oil, processed foods and animal feed. Canadian pork producers will benefit from improved access to Ukraine’s market via a large tariff rate quota.
Prime Minister Harper highlighted the inclusion of Ukraine as a priority emerging market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan and as one of Canada’s development countries of focus. He also publicly released Canada’s market access plan for Ukraine – another tool the Government of Canada is providing to help Canadian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, identify new opportunities to do business in Ukraine.
The announcement also said that “The Agreement is informed by public consultations, and reflects the views and priorities of Canadian businesses, industry associations, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders.” Since 2006, the Government of Canada has concluded free trade agreements with 39 countries, bringing the total to 44.
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