Zaporizhzhia Abrasive Plant participated in the presentation of the study “Strategic Guidelines for Deepening Trade and Economic Relations Between Ukraine and EU Countries in the Context of Ukraine’s Candidacy for EU Membership”, conducted with the participation of the Federation of Employers of Ukraine. The event highlighted key areas of cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union, emphasising Ukraine’s potential as an important economic partner for the EU.

The survey involved 15 industry associations and 48 manufacturing companies, covering 37 sectors of the Ukrainian economy.

One of the study’s main messages was the recognition of Ukraine as a key driver of the EU’s economic growth. To achieve strategic autonomy, Europe needs to establish around 570 modern production facilities in Ukraine across various sectors—from light industry to metallurgy and mechanical engineering. This will require approximately $90 billion in investments, which could boost the EU’s GDP by 8% and strengthen its economic resilience.

The study also emphasises that Ukraine is an indispensable partner for the EU in achieving the goals of strategic autonomy. Shared opportunities include reforming the EU’s participation in foreign trade, strengthening supply chain resilience, ensuring food security, and enhancing innovation potential. Ukraine’s role in supplying critical materials to the EU is a vital topic. Ukraine holds significant reserves of strategically essential resources, including nickel, graphite, lithium, cobalt, titanium, copper, platinum, and rare earth elements.

Despite the challenges of wartime, the growing export of Ukrainian products to the EU was also highlighted. Since 2022, the supply of goods such as sugar, starch, apple concentrate, poultry meat, dairy products, cement, wood processing products, and machinery has increased. This growth has been made possible through the reconfiguration of supply chains, logistical solutions, and the support of European partners.

The study also focused on trade modelling with the EU. According to the findings, Ukraine’s untapped export potential in traditional product groups could reach $10 billion annually. Promising export categories include boilers, furnaces, burners, agricultural machinery, industrial generators, fibreglass and multi-layer glass insulating products, plastic products, rubber goods, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.

Zaporizhzhia Abrasive Plant sees opportunities opening up in EU markets and is actively working to expand its presence. Today, the company exports around 90% of its abrasive materials to various countries, but we aim to strengthen our position in the abrasive tools segment. Efforts in this direction have been significantly intensified, and we are confident in our path to success. For us, the European market is not only a chance to increase export volumes but also an essential step in the company’s development at the international level.