the Financial Times reports, citing European diplomats.
As noted, the special trade regime, introduced as temporary support for Ukraine after the start of a full-scale war, will end on June 6. The new tariffs will primarily affect the agricultural sector, which is currently vital to the Ukrainian economy.
The decision was prompted by Poland's tough stance, which led a campaign to "protect EU farmers" from competition from Ukrainian products. As a result, the European Union is preparing to introduce so-called "transitional measures" that will significantly limit duty-free quotas for Ukraine.
"This is a really bad signal for Ukraine. A new solution will not be found before October," said Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee.
The Ukrainian government has estimated the potential losses from a return to pre-war trading conditions at around €3.5 billion per year. The situation is particularly critical for the agricultural sector, which currently provides a significant portion of the country's foreign exchange earnings.
European officials say they are working on a new trade agreement with Kyiv, but acknowledge that preparations will take at least several months.
