Aequo excels in both competition and international trade law, notably trade remedies, customs consulting, export control, WTO advice, sanctions and conformity assessments. Led by Mariya Nizhnik, who is a former First Deputy Chair of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine and a member of the Interagency Trade Commission, the practice includes ‘professional, helpful and competent’ associate Oleksandr Tereshchenko, who is highly recommended for his work on complex antidumping and safeguard investigations. Recent work includes complex customs issues, including advice on customs valuation and preferences under Ukraine's free trade agreements.

Asters is heavily involved in anti-dumping investigations, mainly concerning goods from Russia, China and Belarus. Its recent work includes Chinese steel manufacturers and exporters in an anti-dumping investigation into imports to Ukraine. Partner Gleb Bialyi and counsel Anton Sintsov co-lead the ‘versatile and experienced’ trade law group, in which associate Tetiana Bebik is a key adviser on economic sanctions and import bans.

Baker McKenzie, Kyiv Office advises numerous blue-chip clients on US, EU, Ukrainian and other regulations, as well as government sanctions and trade restrictions that affect the cross-border trade in goods, tech and services. The team, led by banking and capital markets partner Serhiy Chorny, and featuring standout senior associate Nadiia Filozop, is sought after for its knowledge of export controls, economic sanctions and embargoes, free trade agreements, technical and non-tariff trade barriers, trade remedies, WTO and customs issues.

Ilyashev & Partners is among the busiest firms in trade investigations carried out by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. The firm has a diverse practice that handles trade remedies, export control, customs, sanctions, trade preference agreements, rules of origin and dispute settlement procedures. Lead partner Olena Omelchenko ‘carries a reputation for authority and respect’.

PwC Legal is known for its ‘deep expertise and exceptional experience’ in trade matters. Head of tax and legal services Oleksiy Katasonov oversees the group, in which head of customs and international trade Vita Miroshnychenko is the standout partner. Customs expert Pavlo Herasymiuk has extensive experience in working with customs authorities in different areas. Miroshnychenko, who is currently a co-chair of the Customs Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce, frequently handles customs clearance for many of the largest importers in Ukraine.

Sayenko Kharenko ‘impresses with its comprehensive knowledge of global trade regulations’. Frequently advising on WTO law, trade remedies and customs regulations, the firm is highly regarded for its work in trade defence proceedings both in Ukraine and abroad. The ‘thoughtful, responsible and responsive’ Anzhela Makhinova leads the practice, in which associate Oleksandra Sandul plays a key role thanks to her in-depth knowledge of WTO processes, covered agreements and disputes. Their clients span diverse industries, notably mining and metals, chemicals, machinery and pharmaceuticals, and energy.

AGA Partners is ‘very professional and has deep knowledge of the international trade of commodities’. The firm acts for a diverse client base that includes businesses based in Australia, China, Turkey, Morocco, Greece, Poland and beyond. Among the ‘hardworking, professional and dedicated’ partners are: commercial arbitration specialist Aminat Suleymanova, experienced commercial litigator Iryna Moroz and commodities arbitration expert Ivan Kasynyuk. Moroz recently handled a series of disputes valued at $55m for an international food and agritech company.

Avellum's work for international and domestic businesses encompasses tax and customs advice, trade finance, employment and corporate law, and disputes. The firm also handles litigation and arbitration arising from international trade contracts. Practice head Vadim Medvedev is a tax specialist who has significant expertise in areas such as transfer pricing, litigation and tax planning. Up-and-coming tax and private client partner Anton Zaderyholova also plays a key role in the practice.

The ‘easy-going and open-minded team’ at Integrites has in-depth understanding of unfair trade practices, WTO legislation and procedure, and litigation. The practice led by Yevgen Ivanets is heavily involved in anti-dumping investigations involving imports from China and Turkey, and is also advising numerous Ukrainian companies subject to trade restrictions in foreign countries. Ivanets is currently acting for a leading Turkish radiator producer in a large-scale anti-dumping investigation.

Koziakov & Partners is known for its ‘profound expertise, strategic acumen and a client-centric approach’. ‘Responsive, friendly, disciplined and organised’ lead partner Nataliia Isakhanova, who has extensive experience in the manufacturing, oil and gas, commercial, agricultural and telecoms sectors, is a member of the Strategic Alliance for WTO and Trade Remedies, and deputy chair of the Committee on Export-Import Activities of the Chinese Commerce Association. Sergii Koziakov is vastly experienced in trade investigations.

NOBLES works ‘with passion and keeps the client in focus in a simple but very efficient way’. The firm’s focus on regulatory, antitrust, financing, tax and customs matters is a core part of its offering for large domestic companies and international businesses selling into Ukraine. German-qualified corporate and regulatory partner Alexander Weigelt, M&A and cross-border investment specialist Volodymyr Yakubovskyy and competition law expert Oleksandr Aleksyeyenko are the main contacts.

Attorneys’ Association Gestors is well-versed in the enforcement of the WTO rules, EU trade legislation, trade disputes and investigations. Lead partner Yaroslav Snigur focuses on trade law and anti-dumping protection. He draws on ten years’ experience as head of the department of trade restrictions in the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. Managing partner and employment law specialist Andriy Tsvyetkov also plays a key role in the practice.

Gramatskiy&Partners joins the ranking this year having remained active in structuring cross-border trade contracts. The work of tax and finance partner Igor Reutov, international law expert Ernest Gramatskiy and litigator Andriy Trembich, who is ‘very good at solving legal puzzles’, spans many sectors, among them equipment, construction materials, soft agricultural commodities, food and dairy products, tech and engineering services. Together, they handle customs clearance, export control and rules of origin.

KPMG Law in Ukraine joins the ranking due to its in-depth expertise in all legal, tax, customs and financial aspects of international trade, acting for both domestic and international clients. Head of tax and legal Sergiy Popov and head of legal services Yuriy Katser frequently advise on import and export regulations, customs procedures, trade compliance, permits and registration, export controls and economic sanctions, as well as the drafting of contracts.

The team at VB PARTNERS is ‘always available for clients and takes care of every little detail’. It was the first firm to secure a favorable Supreme Court decision to lift sanctions against an EU company. Denys Shkarovsky, who focuses on criminal matters concerning economic crime and corruption, leads a three-partner group that includes ‘leading and acknowledged experts in sanctions law in Ukraine’. One such expert is Volodymyr Vashchenko.