China ranks among the top exporters of Ukrainian goods. Gennady Chizhikov, president of the Chamber of Commerce, discusses new markets and business expectations.

Ukraine is gradually restoring its exports. This is crucial for ensuring foreign currency inflows into the state budget, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Western aid. In 2024, Ukraine exported goods worth $41.627 billion, which translates to a 15% increase in monetary terms and more than a 30% rise in weight. If these export rates can be maintained over the next several years, there is a possibility of a swift return to pre-war levels, according to the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

However, to achieve this, exporters need government support to ensure logistics, open new markets, and build a strong brand for Ukrainian products. In an interview with UA.News, Hennadiy Chyzhykov, the president of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, discussed trade with the European Union and China, strengthening ties with Japan, and dialogue with Poland at the level of business associations.

 

How have export flows changed during the years of war?

Hennadiy Chyzhykov: Firstly, the structure of exports has changed. Before the war, significant exports were driven by metallurgy, machine engineering, and chemical enterprises, mainly located in the eastern part of the country. We now face a situation where over 60% of exports are agricultural products. This means that the metallurgy industry, which previously led among exporters, has lost its position. It's also important to remember that nearly 20% of our territories are occupied, yet even under these conditions, we managed to restore export levels to those of 2021.

Secondly, the geography of logistics has changed. We currently have two main export routes for our products. Primarily, there is a maritime corridor through which we supply goods to large buyers such as China, Egypt, and others. In the European direction, Poland, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy have emerged as the leading export destinations. Previously, these countries held a modest place among our markets, except for Poland, which traditionally received the main flow of Ukrainian goods.

Thirdly, a positive trend has emerged with the rise of small companies among exporters. They are identifying specific niches in the market, such as food products. There are cases of companies producing bars and various snacks that are entering the markets of Japan and Australia.



Regarding challenges, despite the gradual restoration of exports, businesses are acutely feeling the lack of credit resources and effective risk insurance. Logistics remains one of the primary challenges. We must find ways to transport our goods. Although we have opened maritime gates (the ports of Odesa), there is a problem: for ships heading there, insurance is extremely expensive—rates are so high that it renders our products uncompetitive. However, we have no other choice. We are working on resolving these issues.

What other markets are interesting for our exporters?

Hennadiy Chyzhykov: Despite the distance of over 6,000 km, China is one of the largest importers of Ukrainian goods, primarily agricultural products. A significant meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Ukraine, Ma Shengkui, highlighted ambitious goals: to nearly double trade between our countries.

Last year, we also began actively opening Latin America for Ukrainian suppliers. This year, along with other partners, we are entering the African market. In April, we will hold major business events there, presenting our export products in Kenya's capital, Nairobi. We are also strengthening cooperation with the Philippines, Brazil, Egypt, and Indonesia to assist