Recent research reveals that only a small fraction of Ukrainians, just 3%, are purchasing military-related items from abroad, such as drone parts and tactical gear. In contrast, the majority are focused on acquiring clothing, footwear, and household goods through international marketplaces.
The study indicates that 79% of Ukrainians have made at least one purchase from overseas, with 31% actively ordering items multiple times a month. Clothing and footwear emerged as the most sought-after categories, with 51% of respondents buying these products.
Military goods ranked among the least popular categories, attracting only 3% of those surveyed. Other low-demand categories included accessories, small items, automotive parts, and tools.
Interestingly, the issue of international parcel regulations does not rank high on the list of economic concerns for most Ukrainians. Only 3% of respondents identified the conditions for ordering goods from abroad as a significant economic issue. Instead, they expressed greater concern over income levels, food prices, and utility costs.
When it comes to tax regulations for international purchases, 52% of respondents believe that Ukrainian retailers and foreign online marketplaces should adhere to the same tax rules when selling to Ukrainian consumers. Additionally, 54% support the notion that if Ukrainian businesses pay VAT on their products, similar foreign goods should be subject to the same tax requirements.
More than half of those surveyed favor implementing uniform regulations, anticipating benefits such as increased budget revenues (59%), support for local businesses (58%), equitable conditions for both Ukrainian and foreign sellers (56%), and a reduction in gray imports and exploitation (52%). However, 57% of respondents predict that such changes would lead to higher costs for international purchases.
The survey also explored perceptions regarding the use of untaxed international parcels for small-scale commerce and resale. A significant 69% believe these parcels are utilized not just for personal purchases but also for small business activities. Conversely, only 15% disagreed with this view, while 17% were undecided.
In the event of changes to international purchasing regulations, respondents expressed key expectations, including:
- Clear and straightforward rules (37%);
- No need for manual additional payments (28%);
- No hidden fees (27%).
This survey was conducted by Info Sapiens, which interviewed 1,500 respondents from various regions across Ukraine.
It is worth noting that Ukraine is preparing to revise its taxation model for international postal shipments, with new legislative proposals aimed at establishing updated rules for online purchases from abroad.
A new study shows that most Ukrainians prefer buying clothing and household items from abroad, with military goods being a minor category. As the country considers revising tax regulations for international purchases, public sentiment leans towards equal treatment for local and foreign sellers.