The Asymmetry of the Terms of Agreements of Ukraine\''s Membership in the WTO and the Association with the EU in Foreign Trade of Agricultural and Food Products
In this article the problem of assessing the impact of the conditions of trade agreements of Ukraine with the WTO and the EU on prospects of production of agricultural products is examined. It was determined that Ukraine accepted asymmetric obligations in respect of export of agricultural products under the agreement with the WTO, which significantly limit the ability of domestic enterprises with respect to the export of agricultural products to foreign markets. It was established that the asymmetry of agreed non-tariff measures of market regulation of agricultural products is expressed in the abolition and prohibition to introduce further quantitative restrictions on imports, the application of anti-dumping duties, countervailing measures, complication and non-use of special protective measures of the WTO with respect to developed countries. It was found that the asymmetry is typical for export regimes in Ukraine and the EU. In particular, Ukraine does not use export subsidies for agricultural products (in this case more than 90% of the total amount of export subsidies, which are used by members of the WTO, are for the EU). It is proved that the only way to reform the agricultural sector of Ukraine in terms of its membership in the WTO and the EU association is to reform the management of this sector of the economy and its deregulation. It was determined that the representatives of the main sectors of the agricultural and food sector expect certain benefits from the implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU, as European markets will be more accessible for Ukrainian producers.