In June 2024, Ukraine increased the number of pigs to 5.2 thousand heads, which is 3.1% more than last year, but 3.4% less than in 2022, the Ukrainian Business Club (UCAB) reported, citing data from the State Statistics Service.
“Due to high purchase prices and cheap feed in 2022 and 2023, the pig industry could recover,” analysts said.
At the same time, they emphasized that in addition to the usual market changes, such as stabilization of grain and oilseed prices, companies must also adapt to the challenges of today. For example, rising energy prices and employee mobilization are forcing farmers to look for innovative ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Experts recalled that in the second half of June 2024, Ukraine recorded the lowest average price in the last two years – UAH 46.3 including VAT per kg of cuttings. The last time such a price was observed at the end of April 2022. This figure was significantly closer to the level of production costs, which excited producers. However, in early June, the price of cuttings rose to 55.1 UAH/kg including VAT.
“There is no single factor that would have a significant impact on this, as this situation is caused by a set of reasons that are atypical for this period of time. First, there has always been a growth trend in the first half of summer, even during the war. This year, power outages and mobilization led to a decrease in demand. Secondly, if before the war imported pork influenced domestic pricing, now it does not. Volumes have dropped to 300-500 tons from 2500-4000 tons. Market changes are caused exclusively by internal factors, as most of the pork on the shelves is Ukrainian,” explained UCAB analyst Maksym Hopka.
