It was determined that the Ukrainian economy is much more exposed to sharp fluctuations in economic activity, while the development of the economies of the EU countries is more stable and predictable without rapid jumps in economic development. The main factors influencing the cyclical development of the Ukrainian economy were analyzed in the article. The significant influence of the political situation on the economic development of Ukraine is determined. The substantive influence of foreign economic factors on the development of economic processes in Ukraine is substantiated. It is determined that effective and balanced customs policy of Ukraine can promote the rapid development of foreign trade, which will help to overcome the negative consequences of cyclical economic development. The creation of a free trade zone between Ukraine and EU countries in the context of cyclical economic development is considered. The main advantages and probable risks of reducing tariff and nontariff barriers in trade between Ukraine and the EU countries are revealed. Considered the volume of trade flows between Ukraine and the EU, it is substantiated that Ukraine has a rather weak position in trade relations with EU countries, this is reflected in the negative balance of foreign trade with the EU countries, as well as in the attraction of exports of goods with low value added. The volume of tax revenues for international trade to the State Budget of Ukraine is analyzed, on the basis of which it is determined that the liberalization of trade relations with the EU in the first periods of the creation of the free trade zone has led to a significant reduction of customs duties to the State Budget of Ukraine. It is substantiated that the establishment of a free trade zone with the EU would be less threatening in terms of the interests of the Ukrainian economy, in the event that it took place during the period of stable economic growth.

The article examines the place of the customs policy in the state financial policy. It has been established that the state’s customs policy is interrelated with the tax and budget policy of the state, because at the expense of customs payments (which are tax payments), implementation of the revenue part of the budget of the country is ensured. Due to revenues to the budget, redistribution of funds to various directions of social and economic development of the state is ensured. It has been proved that tax and customs policies have different goals. The tax policy is aimed at replenishing the state budget, and customs policy — not only contributes to the replenishment of the budget, but also regulates the processes of export and import, protects national commodity producers. The existence of a legal conflict with the controlling bodies responsible for budget, tax and customs policy has been established. The norms of the law do not provide for a clear distribution of powers between the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the bodies of the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine. The list of existing customs principles has been improved by adding the principles of the obligation to pay customs payments; preferences; restrictions or prohibitions on import of goods into the customs territory of Ukraine; fiscal sufficiency; stability; implementation. The place of Ukraine in the ranking of logistics efficiency is analyzed. It is established that Ukraine lost 19 positions in terms of the value of the index of logistics efficiency over the past two years. On the basis of the analysis of the logistics efficiency index, it was established that the lowest indicators of Ukraine are related to the customs clearance of goods (130 place in the rating), simplicity and prices of the organization of deliveries (95th place in the rating); Competence and quality of service provision (95th place in the rating). Based on the analysis of the norms of the Customs Code of Ukraine, tools for stimulating and limiting the use of customs privileges are summarized. Stimulation is manifested in preferential terms of taxation (exemption from taxation, lower rates of duty, tariff quotas). Limitations are limited-term privileges; a list of goods that can be imported into the territory of Ukraine in a certain amount without payment of the duty; the need to confirm the use of goods that were imported on preferential terms).