Ukraine loses $5.1 billion due to trade deficit: what has changed since the cancellation of customs visa exemption

According to hvylya.net: Ukraine is facing a problem of trade deficit, as it spends twice as much on imports as it earns from exports. According to the National Bank, in June 2025, the country recorded a record deficit of $5.1 billion, the worst figure in the last 15 years.

In June, Ukraine purchased imported goods worth $7.3 billion, while it only received $2.9 billion from exports. Junior analyst at the CES, Eleazar Levchenko, believes that the volume of imports is approaching the figures of 2021 and may even exceed them.

'The greatest increase is in the import of goods that are critically necessary for life and work: gas, generators, transformers, fertilizers, electronics, drones, etc. This is understandable - we must survive and restore the destroyed,' emphasized Levchenko.

The situation is complicated by the fact that key export sectors, such as agriculture and industry, have their own problems, as well as the cancellation of the 'customs visa exemption' by the EU for Ukraine, which will lead to additional losses for the country.

Ukraine is facing the problem of a significant trade deficit, where import expenses exceed export incomes. An important reason for this has been the increase in the import of goods necessary for restoring the vital functions of Ukraine's economy after difficult periods. Additionally, important export sectors of the country are facing new challenges, further complicating the economic situation.