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Customs record: UAH 75 billion in December — the budget received a boost, but reforms are needed

In 2025 customs revenues rose by 21%, and tax revenues by 20.2%. We break down what lies behind these figures, how they affect security and social payments, and which decisions will determine whether the effect will be long-lasting.

Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik

By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik

January 2, 2026 · 2 min read

Customs record: UAH 75 billion in December — the budget received a boost, but reforms are needed

Customs record: UAH 75 billion in December — what it means

The press service of the State Customs Service reported that in December 2025 customs transferred UAH 75 billion to the state budget — the highest monthly figure since the beginning of martial law. This sum is important not as a record in itself, but as a concrete strengthening of the state’s financial cushion, which directly affects the ability to finance defense and recovery.

"In December 2025 the State Customs Service transferred UAH 75 billion in customs payments to the budget. This is the highest monthly figure since the beginning of martial law."

— Press service of the State Customs Service

Yearly results — figures and sources

For 2025 the Customs transferred UAH 716.1 billion to the state budget — an increase of UAH 124.4 billion or +21% compared to 2024. The State Tax Service directed over UAH 1.24 trillion to the budget in January–December 2025 — an increase of UAH 209.3 billion or +20.2%.

"The plan for tax and fee revenues in 2025 was fulfilled at 97.4%."

— Press service of the State Tax Service

Main sources of budget revenues in 2025:

  • Personal income tax (PIT): UAH 362.9 billion
  • Corporate income tax: UAH 284.7 billion
  • VAT (including budget refunds): UAH 306.5 billion
  • Excise tax: UAH 163.9 billion
  • Rent payments: UAH 48.4 billion

Why it matters for every Ukrainian

Growth in customs and tax revenues increases budgetary resilience. That means more resources for defense needs, social payments, and infrastructure recovery. Stronger revenues also improve Ukraine’s position in talks with donors and creditors — stable budgets make us more predictable for international partners.

At the same time, economists and analysts note that record figures depend both on external factors and on the effectiveness of administration — to make the effect sustainable, structural steps are needed.

Reforms in focus

The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Finance are consulting with business and analytical centers on introducing VAT for individual entrepreneurs (sole proprietors). Adoption of this bill is envisaged by the National Revenue Strategy and is a condition of cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. This could broaden the revenue base, but also requires clear mechanisms to protect small businesses and phased implementation.

Conclusion

The customs record in December is a positive signal that strengthens the country’s budgetary resilience. However, turning a one-off boost into a stable source of revenues is possible only through well-thought-out reforms and dialogue with business and international partners. Whether the pace can be maintained and the effect consolidated depends on upcoming political and technical decisions.

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