Potential Ukrposhta-USPS deal to allow Amazon, other large marketplaces to access Ukraine

MOSCOW. Oct 10 (Interfax) - Ukraine's JSC Ukrposhta postal company is in talks with the United States Postal Service (USPS) on an agreement that will enable the delivery of goods from Amazon and other major U.S. marketplaces to Ukraine, Ukrposhta CEO Igor Smilyansky told Ukrainian media.

"I've just returned from the U.S. and can assure you that we are holding quite active talks with the USPS [which provides mail processing and delivery services to individuals and entities within the U.S. and abroad]. As soon as we conclude the agreement, Ukraine will gain access to Amazon," Smilyansky said.

The arrangement may become operational as soon as 2025, he said.

"We have already reached an agreement with the USPS on small packages. As for parcels, I expected to reach the result before January 1. We'd like this agreement to become operational in 2025. Ideally, it'd be good of course to conclude it in November to allow us to prepare for that technically. Therefore, such plans do exist, and this work is continuing. But, as in any negotiations, it's the signature on the document that will finalize the process and set a timeline," he said.

The deal will also allow other large marketplaces to get access to the Ukrainian market, he said.

"Look, if we sign an agreement with the USPS, major marketplaces, which are currently unavailable, will come to Ukraine. The USPS works with all of them. Why are we looking for such powerful partners and working on agreements with other countries? It's because as soon as they become our partners, it'll be possible to immediately approach some of the largest marketplaces in their countries and discuss with them the excellent opportunities for boosting their sales by sending goods to Ukraine via Ukrposhta," Smilyansky said.