Ukraine's post-war market boom! Essential customer development strategies for foreign trade professionals.

As of July 2025, the war in Ukraine has lasted for 3 years and 5 months. Despite the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian economy has demonstrated strong resilience in the export sector. According to the latest data from the Ukrainian Customs Service, in the first half of 2025, Ukraine's total exports reached US$23.8 billion, a year-on-year increase of 9.7%, with total exported goods reaching 72 million tons, an increase of 18.5% compared to the same period in 2024.

Here are some frequently asked questions, and I've compiled answers to them here.

 1. Is it still possible for Ukraine to conduct normal trade activities?
    Although trade was restricted in some war zones, commercial activity continued in western and central cities such as Lviv and Kyiv. Demand for imports was strong due to declining domestic production capacity, particularly for building materials, medical supplies, food, and energy equipment. Prices were up by about 40-60% compared to pre-war levels, but some goods (such as electronics and automobiles) still offered high profit margins due to supply shortages.

2. What is the payment capacity of Ukrainian businessmen?
    International banking channels (such as SWIFT) remain operational, and some businesses are using T/T (telegraphic transfer) or cryptocurrencies (such as USDT) for payments.

3. How to communicate with Ukrainian businessmen?

Russian remains the common language, but English or Ukrainian are now more popular. Chinese companies can reduce communication barriers through trade intermediaries in neighboring countries such as Poland and Romania.

4. Is it possible to go to Ukraine now?
    Ukraine's e-visa policy remains valid, but travelers should be aware of security risks and are advised against traveling to war zones unless absolutely necessary. Chinese companies may consider using transit hubs such as Poland (Warsaw) and Hungary (Budapest) for business connections with their Ukrainian counterparts.

The URL of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' e-visa portal is:

https://mfa.gov.ua/en/consular-affairs/entry-and-stay-foreigners-ukraine/e-visa

I. Cooperation on Government and International Aid Projects
(1) Ukraine’s National Reconstruction Plan (2024-2030): Key areas include energy, infrastructure, housing and agriculture.
(2) EU “Ukraine Facilities” program (50 billion euros in aid): Priority procurement of building materials, medical equipment and new energy technologies.
(3) World Bank/IMF aid projects: open tenders are available, and participation can be made through ProZorro (the Ukrainian government procurement platform).
(4) China's "Belt and Road" cooperation projects: Chinese enterprises can obtain cooperation information through the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

II. Mainstream Cross-Border E-commerce Platforms

1. Rozetka.ua (Ukraine's largest domestic e-commerce platform)

2. Prom.ua (A comprehensive B2B/B2C platform suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises)

3. OLX.ua (Second-hand and wholesale trading, suitable for low-priced fast-moving consumer goods)

4. Allbiz (a global B2B platform suitable for suppliers and buyers in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction)

5. Zakupka.com (Ukrainian B2B wholesale platform, specializing in industrial product bidding and procurement)

6. Export Portal (a global B2B trading platform connecting Ukrainian suppliers with international buyers)

7. Rozetka (Ukraine's largest full-category e-commerce platform, covering electronics, home furnishings, clothing, and food)

8. Allo.ua (A well-known Ukrainian e-commerce platform specializing in electronic appliances)

9. ModnaKasta (Ukrainian women's fashion e-commerce platform, focusing on trendy clothing items)

10. EVA.ua (Ukrainian e-commerce platform specializing in beauty, health, and maternal and infant products)

III. Offline Exhibitions and Trade Matching Events

Key trade shows in 2025:

(1) Rebuild Ukraine Expo (Kyiv) – Focusing on infrastructure, energy and building materials
(2) AgroWorld Ukraine (Lviv) - Agricultural machinery, food processing
(3) Kyiv International Economic Forum – High-level political and business discussions

Exhibition strategy:
(1) Apply for booth subsidies through the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) or the Polish Trade Office.
(2) Contact the Ukrainian buyer in advance to schedule a meeting to avoid a wasted trip.

IV. Cooperation with Local Agents/Distributors

(1) Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (www.ucci.org.ua): provides a database of companies.

(2) B2B platforms: such as Europages and TradeKey, to screen Ukrainian importers.

(3) LinkedIn targeted development: search keywords “Ukraine importer + industry”.

V. Social Media and Digital Marketing

Ukrainian customers particularly enjoy using Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.

Facebook/Instagram (consumer goods, electronics).
Telegram (a hub for wholesalers, search "Украина опт").
YouTube (industrial equipment and agricultural machinery can be marketed through videos).