By the end of 2024, Ukraine’s foreign trade demonstrated steady growth despite the challenging wartime conditions. The key trading partners were China, Poland, and Germany. This trade structure has created a significant demand for legal support in transactions related to import and export, including partner verification, contract regulation, tax structuring, and dispute resolution.
Data is taken from oec.world
1. China — Legal Support for Import Operations
In 2024, China became the largest supplier of goods to Ukraine, with imports totaling over $14.4 billion. Ukrainian companies actively imported machinery, electronics, chemical products, and consumer goods.
Our legal services include:
• Due diligence of Chinese partners, including verification of registration data, ownership structure, and risk factors;
• Analysis and drafting of international sales contracts, considering CISG and Chinese law;
• Dispute resolution with Chinese suppliers, including arbitration;
• Structuring payments with regard to currency regulations and banking compliance;
• Support in logistics issues (verification of supply routes concerning sanctions legislation).
2. Poland — Hub for Export and Legal Anchor
Poland remains the main channel for Ukrainian exports (approximately $4.7 billion) and the second most significant importer. Through Poland, food products, metals, and machinery are transported.
Our legal services include:
• Legal assistance in structuring transit and export operations through Poland;
• Preparation of contracts for the export of agricultural products, metals, and machinery;
• Tax structuring of supplies through Polish companies;
• Analysis of Polish and European law requirements regarding product compliance.
3. Germany — Technological Partner and Buyer of Agricultural and Metallurgical Products
Imports from Germany exceeded $5.4 billion, and exports reached $2.8 billion. Germany is a source of high-tech equipment and a key market for Ukrainian food and metallurgical products.
Legal services for Ukrainian-German trade:
• Support in transactions for the purchase of industrial equipment, considering the specifics of German law;
• Analysis of contracts with suppliers/buyers from Germany, consultations on Incoterms conditions;
• Dispute resolution under supply contracts through chambers of commerce or arbitration institutions (DIS, ICC);
• Legal assistance in certification and quality standards of imported or exported goods.
4. General Support Areas
• Comprehensive audit of international economic partners (including the structure of beneficial ownership for AML purposes).
• Development or adaptation of international contracts.
• Verification of logistics routes for compliance with sanctions legislation.
• Legal support in risk insurance procedures in international trade.
Conclusion
Given the current trade dynamics of Ukraine with China, Poland, and Germany, legal support of foreign economic activity is a key tool for reducing risks for Ukrainian businesses. Our practice is focused on creating secure legal solutions for international trade in the conditions of a wartime economy. Do you have extra questions? Call us!
📩 Email: kyiv@jvs.law
📞 Телефон: +380 (67) 465-77-73
