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The United States is Ukraine's most significant non-European trading partner by diplomatic and economic relationship, and consistently one of the top sources of traffic and engagement for Ukraine-focused B2B platforms. While the EU dominates Ukrainian goods trade, the US–Ukraine economic relationship is large, growing, and substantially underrepresented in standard commodity trade statistics because of the IT services component.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---| | Ukrainian goods exports to USA | ~USD 0.8–1.2 billion |
| US goods exports to Ukraine | ~USD 0.5–1.0 billion | | IT services exports (UA→USA) | ~USD 2.5–4.0 billion (est.) |
| USA's rank in Ukrainian B2B web audience | #2 globally (after Ukraine) | | Key Ukrainian goods to USA | Steel, chemicals, agricultural products, art/crafts |
The goods trade numbers are relatively modest — but the US is Ukraine's single largest market for IT and technology services, and a major source of reconstruction investment and bilateral financial aid.
Historically, Ukrainian steel was a significant US import — flat products, semi-finished slabs, and long steel from Metinvest and PJSC Zaporizhstal. US Section 232 steel tariffs (25% tariff on imported steel, imposed 2018) significantly reduced Ukrainian steel imports unless specific exclusions were granted.
Post-2022, Ukraine–US solidarity has led to more flexible treatment of Ukrainian steel imports. Check current USTR Section 232 exclusion status for specific product categories.
Ukrainian honey, frozen berries, sunflower oil (small volumes relative to EU), and specialty agricultural products reach the US market. US buyers tend to access Ukrainian agricultural products via EU intermediaries rather than direct import.
Hot-rolled slabs from Ukrainian steel mills are processed by US steelmakers. This relationship is significant but varies with US trade policy on a continuous basis.
A growing category post-2022 — Ukrainian traditional crafts, embroidery (vyshyvanka), ceramics, and artisan products have gained strong US consumer awareness through the solidarity movement.
The most significant economic dimension of the US–Ukraine relationship not captured in goods trade data is IT services exports.
American technology companies have been among the largest clients for Ukrainian software development, QA, and technology services since the early 2000s. By 2024, an estimated USD 2.5–4 billion in IT services revenue flows from US companies to Ukrainian development teams annually — making the US the single largest national market for Ukrainian IT exports.
Key service categories:
Custom software development for US tech companies, fintech, healthtech, and enterprise software
IT staff augmentation — Ukrainian developers integrated into US company teams
QA and testing — Ukraine is a top global QA services location
AI/ML and data science — Growing category with Ukrainian universities producing strong STEM graduates
Game development — US game studios work extensively with Ukrainian art studios and development teams
Ukrainian IT companies with US presence: Many Ukrainian IT service companies (EPAM Systems, SoftServe, Ciklum, Luxoft) have US offices and are listed on US stock exchanges or traded on EU markets. EPAM is the largest, with significant Ukraine-origin delivery capacity.
US–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement status (2025): The US and Ukraine do not have a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement. Ukraine's primary FTA relationship is with the EU (DCFTA).
US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): Ukraine was historically a GSP beneficiary, providing duty-free access for designated product categories. GSP lapsed in 2020 and has not been fully renewed as of 2025 — check USTR for current status.
Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs: In the absence of a bilateral FTA, most Ukrainian goods enter the US at standard MFN tariff rates. For commodity products (grains, oilseeds, certain metals), MFN rates are often 0%.
Section 232 / Section 201: Steel and aluminium tariffs under Section 232 apply to Ukrainian imports unless specific product exclusions are in effect. Check USTR exclusion portal.
ITAR / EAR: For defence and dual-use goods (relevant to the titanium and defence sectors), US export control regulations apply to re-export of US-controlled goods to Ukraine, and to Ukrainian exports of controlled items to the US.
The most accessible and lowest-friction opportunity. Ukrainian IT companies and freelancers are actively seeking US clients. Typical engagement models:
Dedicated development team (6–20 developers embedded in your product team)
Project-based fixed-price development
Staff augmentation (individual developers under your management)
Day rates are competitive vs. US domestic: senior full-stack developer USD 55–90/hour; mid-level USD 35–55/hour. English proficiency is high.
US specialty food importers and distributors can source Ukrainian honey, organic IQF berries, walnut kernels, and artisan food products. Best accessed via an EU-based intermediary or Ukrainian export management company with US market experience.
As Ukraine's reconstruction accelerates, US manufacturers of construction materials, equipment, and industrial components are positioning to supply the Ukrainian market — both bilaterally and through EU-funded reconstruction programmes.
US aerospace manufacturers (Boeing, GE, Pratt & Whitney historically sourced Russian titanium via VSMPO-AVISMA. Ukraine offers supply chain diversification for titanium ore, sponge, and semi-products. Requires careful sanctions compliance navigation — see our titanium guide.
The US is Ukraine's largest bilateral defence and reconstruction partner. US government programmes (USAID, DFC — Development Finance Corporation) are actively supporting Ukrainian infrastructure and SME development. Several US private equity and venture capital funds have established Ukraine-focused investment vehicles, particularly in technology and agriculture.
For commercial buyers, the US–Ukraine Investment Treaty (BIT) provides investor protection guarantees. Ukraine's Investment Promotion Office (Invest in Ukraine) operates a dedicated US outreach programme.
US–Ukraine economic ties are strengthening across multiple dimensions. The IT services relationship continues to grow. Goods trade faces some tariff headwinds (Section 232, absence of FTA), but sector-specific opportunities in specialty agriculture, minerals, and reconstruction supply chains are real.
The longer-term trajectory depends significantly on: US political commitment to Ukraine reconstruction financing, progress toward Ukraine–EU accession (which would facilitate a US–EU rather than bilateral trade arrangement), and the resolution of the security situation.
Related guides: IT Services · Agricultural exports · Titanium sourcing
