Ukraine in April 2023 exported 6.55 thousand tons of dairy products, which is 27% less than in March, while imports increased by 3% and reached 5.17 thousand tons, the Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Business (UCAB) said.
“Despite the fact that some bans have been lifted, they had a very negative impact on the foreign economic situation in the industry. The last time such export volumes were observed a year ago, before the European Parliament supported the termination of import duties on Ukrainian agricultural products”, – UCAB analyst Maxim Gopka said.
According to the experts, the main reasons for the decrease of export were the blockade of import of Ukrainian agricultural products to the EU, difficulties with transit through East European countries and passive demand in the world.
UCAB points out that the decline in supplies can be observed in almost all categories without exception: unthickened milk and cream – by 33%, to 1.66 thousand tons; condensed milk and cream – by 40%, to 988 tons; yogurt and kefir – 17%, to 200 tons.
Exports of milk whey decreased by 17% to 1.03 thousand tons; butter – by 4% to 808 tons; ice cream – by 2% to 824 tons; cheese of all kinds – by 33% to 515 tons.
The Association also stressed that the export of dairy products to Poland fell in April by 29% compared to March and amounted to 242 tons.
The largest importers of Ukrainian products remained Moldova, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
As for imports, the biggest growth – by 74% to 142 tons – was observed for milk and cream, the UCAB stated.
