Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

ARX increased insurance premiums by 15.94% to UAH 4.3 bln in 2024

In 2024, “Insurance Company ‘ARX’ PrJSC (ARX, Kyiv) collected gross insurance premiums in the amount of UAH 4.280 billion, which is 15.94% more than a year earlier.

These statistics are available on the website of RA Standard-Rating on the update of the company’s credit rating/financial strength (reliability) rating at uaAAA according to the national scale in 2024.

Income from individuals increased by 13.20% to UAH 2.617 billion, and from reinsurers increased 2.2 times to UAH 14.268 million. Thus, at the end of 2024, the share of individuals in the insurer’s gross premiums amounted to 61.14%, and the share of reinsurers – 0.33%.

In 2024, insurance payments sent to reinsurers increased by 15.74% compared to 2023 – up to UAH 114.375 million. The ratio of participation of reinsurance companies in insurance premiums of IC “ARKS” practically did not change and amounted to 2.67% in 2024.

RA notes that net written premiums increased by 15.94% to UAH 4.166 billion, and net earned insurance premiums increased by 16.18% to UAH 3.895 billion.
The volume of insurance claims paid by the company in 2024 increased by 24.23% compared to 2023, to UAH 1.720 billion. Thus, the level of payments increased by 2.69 p.p. to 40.19%.

Profit from operating activities amounted to UAH 170.090 million, and net profit amounted to UAH 452.835 million.

As of January 1, 2025, the company’s assets increased by 17.70% to UAH 5.220 billion, equity showed an increase of 20.77% to UAH 2.633 billion, liabilities increased by 14.73% to UAH 2.587 billion, cash and cash equivalents increased 4.16 times to UAH 817.524 million.

The RA also reports that as of the beginning of 2025, the insurer made financial investments in the amount of UAH 2.922 billion, which consisted of government bonds and government bonds (81.76% of the investment portfolio) and deposits in banks with investment grade credit ratings (18.24% of the portfolio), which had a positive impact on the provision of liquid assets, which exceeded the liabilities of IC “ARKS” by 1.45 times.

“ARKS” Insurance Company is a part of the international insurance holding Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. The company has been a leader in the hull insurance segment of the Ukrainian market for 13 years.

,

Passenger traffic across Ukraine’s border decreased by 3% over week

Passenger traffic across the Ukrainian border in the second week of spring, from March 8 to 14, decreased by a total of 3% in both directions to 427 thousand in comparison with the previous week.

According to the State Border Guard Service’s Facebook page, the number of exit crossings decreased from 222,000 to 216,000, while the number of entry crossings decreased from 218,000 to 211,000.

The number of vehicles crossing the checkpoints decreased from 117,000 to 115,000, while the flow of vehicles with humanitarian cargo decreased from 621,000 to 543,000.
According to the State Border Guard Service, as of 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, there were small queues of 10 cars at the Uzhhorod checkpoint on the border with Slovakia, at the Ustyluh checkpoint on the border with Poland, and at the Luzhanka and Vylok checkpoints on the border with Hungary.

In addition, at the Krakivets checkpoint, there is an accumulation of vehicles entering Ukraine, which may lead to an increase in waiting time, the border guards added.

The total number of people crossing the border this week in 2025 is slightly higher than last year: 209 thousand people left and 207 thousand entered Ukraine in the same seven days, with a traffic flow of 116 thousand. Last year, in the third week of spring, passenger traffic increased by 7.9%, and with the onset of spring school holidays next week, it increased by another 19.8%.

As reported, on May 10, 2022, the outflow of refugees from Ukraine, which began with the outbreak of war, was replaced by an influx that lasted until September 23, 2022 and amounted to 409 thousand people. However, since the end of September, possibly under the influence of news about mobilization in Russia and “pseudo-referendums” in the occupied territories, and then massive shelling of energy infrastructure, the number of people leaving has been exceeding the number of people entering. In total, from the end of September 2022 to the first anniversary of the full-scale war, it reached 223 thousand people.

In the second year of the full-scale war, the number of border crossings to leave Ukraine, according to the State Border Guard Service, exceeded the number of crossings to enter by 25 thousand, while in the third year – by 187 thousand, and since the beginning of the fourth year – by another 26 thousand.

As Deputy Economy Minister Serhiy Sobolev noted in early March 2023, the return of every 100,000 Ukrainians home results in a 0.5% increase in GDP.
In its January inflation report, the National Bank estimated the outflow from Ukraine in 2024 at 0.5 million (0.315 million according to the State Border Guard Service). In absolute terms, the number of migrants staying abroad will increase to 6.8 million in 2024.

The NBU also maintained its outflow forecast for 2025 at 0.2 million.
According to updated data from the UNHCR, the number of Ukrainian refugees in Europe as of February 19, 2025, was estimated at 6.346 million, and 6.907 million worldwide, which is 43 thousand more than as of January 16.

In Ukraine itself, according to the latest UN data, 3.665 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), including approximately 160 thousand people, were displaced from the frontline areas in the east and south between May and October 2024 due to the intensification of hostilities.

ECA supported exports by UAH 478.6 mln in February

In February 2025, the Export Credit Agency (ECA) supported UAH 478.6 million of exports by insuring export loans for Ukrainian producers in the amount of UAH 61.3 million and a foreign trade agreement worth UAH 49.4 million.

According to the ECA website, seven exporters used its services, with Oschadbank providing UAH 51.3 million in financing (UAH 298.5 million of supported exports) and Kredobank providing UAH 10 million (UAH 130.65 million of exports).

This time, the leading regions were Zaporizhzhia (UAH 230.4 million of future export revenue), Ternopil (UAH 130.65 million), and Chernihiv (UAH 41.6 million).

These businesses produce and export paper and cardboard, plastics and polymeric materials, land transport vehicles, and various food products to France, Romania, Uzbekistan, India, and Estonia.

The Export Credit Agency was established to stimulate the export of goods (works, services) of Ukrainian origin and support Ukrainian resident exporters by providing insurance, reinsurance, and guarantees under contracts that ensure export development. On January 7, 2023, the National Bank of Ukraine was authorized to regulate the activities of the ECA.

,

Why juice production is profitable investment: analysis of market trends and opportunities

Today, consumers around the world, and in Ukraine in particular, are increasingly choosing natural products that are associated with a healthy lifestyle. Juices, as one of the key segments of the beverage market, not only meet this trend, but also demonstrate a steady increase in demand. For businessmen looking for profitable areas for investment, juice production offers attractive prospects: a relatively low entry threshold, quick payback, and significant potential for scaling. In this article, we will analyze global and Ukrainian market trends, provide key figures and facts, and explain why it is worth paying attention to this industry right now.

Global juice market: figures and trends

The global juice market remains one of the most dynamic segments in the beverage industry. According to the analytical company Statista, in 2024, its volume reached about $18.5 billion, maintaining a stable annual growth rate of 5-7%. Forecasts for 2025 indicate a further increase in the market to $20 billion, driven by growing demand for natural products and innovative approaches to production.

Key global trends:

  • Demand for naturalness: Consumers prefer juices without added sugar, preservatives and artificial flavors. According to Euromonitor International, in 2024 the share of organic juices increased by 10% compared to 2022, which confirms the strengthening of this trend.
  • Competition with other beverages: In some regions, juice consumption has stabilized due to the popularity of functional drinks and premium teas, but the premium juice segment continues to grow, offsetting the decline in the mass market.
  • Production leaders: Brazil maintains its position as the world’s leading juice exporter, shipping 2.8 million tons in 2024, mostly orange concentrate. EU countries, in particular Spain (1.3 million tons) and the Netherlands (1.0 million tons), are also increasing their shares due to the active development of fruit processing.

Large players such as Tropicana (PepsiCo), Minute Maid (Coca-Cola), and Innocent Drinks dominate the mass segment, while local brands with organic, cold-pressed, and functional juices are winning the premium market.

Ukrainian juice market: untapped potential

The Ukrainian juice market has unique features that make it attractive to investors. According to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Association, the average per capita consumption of juice is only 10 liters per year. For comparison, this figure reaches 30 liters in the EU and 50 liters in the US. This means that the Ukrainian market is far from being saturated and has a huge room for growth.

Key characteristics:

  • Dominance of local brands: More than 95% of juices on the shelves of Ukrainian stores are made by domestic producers. The trend of supporting local businesses, which intensified after 2014, continues to gain momentum in 2024, reflecting strong consumer loyalty to local brands.
  • Export potential: Ukraine is among the top 20 global juice exporters. In 2022, the country exported 127 thousand tons of juices, mainly apple concentrate, mainly to the EU and the US.
  • Recovery from the crisis: The 2020 pandemic reduced juice production by 14.8%, but in 2021 the industry began to recover, and in 2022 sales grew by 21% in monetary terms. Further growth is expected in 2024, especially among small and medium-sized producers.

Market leaders:

  • “Nash Juice: Remains one of the leading brands, offering affordable products for the mass consumer. The exact market share in 2024 may differ from 22.1% (2022 data), but the brand maintains a strong position.
  • Jaffa: Known for quality juices in glass containers, popular both in Ukraine and abroad.
  • Galicia: Continues to occupy the niche of organic direct-pressed juices, strengthening its position in the premium segment due to the demand for natural products.
  • Sandora: Until 2022, it was the leader, but temporarily stopped production due to the war, which opened up opportunities for competitors. In 2024, the company is actively working to regain its market position, although its share is likely to have decreased due to competition.
  • New players: Brands such as Ecosphere are showing significant growth (e.g., +155% in 2022) and continue to gain momentum in 2024, filling the gaps left by the big players.

Financial analysis of juice production: why is it profitable?

Juice production in Ukraine is not only a response to trends, but also an economically sound business. Here are the key arguments:

  • Affordable start: A small semi-automatic juice production line (with a capacity of 1,000 liters per day) requires investments of $50,000-80,000, including equipment and raw materials. For comparison, starting a dairy plant costs at least $200,000. Of course, we are talking about production facilities, if you already have a prepared site for production.
  • Fast payback: With a production volume of 30,000 liters per month, you can earn up to $0.5-1.5 per liter, depending on the type of raw materials and prices. The initial investment in the production facility itself can be repaid in a few months if you have already built sales channels. And under good conditions, the business can pay off in a few quarters. This is much faster than most other food businesses.
  • Raw material base: Ukraine is one of the largest apple producers in Europe (1.2 million tons in 2022), which provides low cost of raw materials for apple juice.
  • Export prospects: Apple concentrate is already competitive on the global market, and the demand for direct-pressed juices in the EU is growing by 6-8% annually.

It is worth clarifying that the payback period of several months primarily refers to the workshop itself, not the business as a whole. This figure takes into account only the costs of equipment and raw materials at maximum line utilization. However, a full-fledged business includes additional costs: salaries for accountants, sales managers, logisticians, and warehouse workers, as well as rent, taxes, and marketing. If you already have well-established sales and supply channels, the payback period may be closer to these terms. However, in real-world conditions, where there are no ideal scenarios, you should focus on a more realistic timeframe of about 6-12 months. That’s how long it usually takes for juice production to start generating stable profits, depending on external factors and the efficiency of your business model.

These simple calculations demonstrate that launching juice production is not only an opportunity to occupy a profitable niche in the market, but also to ensure a quick return on investment. Investing in modern equipment allows you to reduce production costs and increase profit margins, which is especially important in a highly competitive environment.

Minimum set of equipment for juice production

To organize a full-fledged production process, it is necessary to equip the workshop with a line that includes a number of specialized machines and devices. Using the equipment listed below, you can achieve a capacity of up to 30,000 liters per month, which is ideal for medium-sized businesses with the prospect of scaling up:

  • Juice presses
  • Ensure efficient extraction of liquids from fruits and berries, preserving the maximum amount of nutrients. We recommend choosing the STvega J H30 Cold Press Juicer – this model with a pressing force of 30 tons guarantees a high juice yield even from hard fruits, preserving all the nutrients thanks to cold pressing technology.

Industrial juicers

Designed for processing large volumes of raw materials, which makes them indispensable in large-scale production. Particularly noteworthy is the STvega J 1500 masticating juicer. Its high productivity and squeezing efficiency allow you to optimize the production process and ensure high quality of the final product.

  • Filters.
  • Filters purify juice from unwanted solid particles, improving its taste and organoleptic characteristics. We recommend paying attention to the STvega SH 1000 Shock Filter for juice purification – this model has a capacity of up to 1000 liters per hour and removes the smallest particles, ensuring crystal clear juice.
  • Pasteurizers
  • Pasteurizers ensure the preservation of the product’s beneficial properties and extend its shelf life by destroying microorganisms. It is worth considering the STvega Pasteurizer H1000 – this model has a 1000-liter tank and preserves all the beneficial properties of the product due to precise temperature control.
  • Automatic filling lines
  • Automatic filling lines guarantee accurate dosing and hermetic packaging, which is important for maintaining product freshness and safety. We offer you to familiarize yourself with the Bag-in-Box STvega Automatic BIB Filling Machine H250 – this model provides filling accuracy of ±0.5% and a productivity of up to 250 bags per hour, optimizing the packaging process for medium and large volumes.

The approximate cost of this line can be around $50-80 thousand, while it can generate $10-20 thousand in gross revenue per month after reaching a volume of 500-1000 liters of juice per day.

But you can start with much smaller investments. Some of the operations can be done manually with the help of human resources, and then you can use only the most necessary equipment, such as a juicer, filters, and pasteurizers. In this case, you can start with 5-10 thousand dollars and test your idea.

Where to buy juice production equipment?

When choosing a supplier of equipment, it is important to consider not only the quality of the equipment, but also the level of service support, warranty service, and technical support. STvega is one of the market leaders specializing in the sale of modern equipment for the food industry.

Why choose STvega:

Wide range of products: We offer equipment from China, Europe and Ukraine, which allows you to choose the best solution for any business.

Warranty and post-warranty service: The company’s specialists provide full support and technical assistance at all stages of operation.

Competitive prices: High quality at affordable investment terms makes the purchase as profitable as possible.

Individual approach: Consultations on the selection of equipment for your budget and needs.

By investing in a production line from STvega, you get not only modern equipment, but also a partner who will help you grow your business and quickly achieve your goals.

Conclusion.

Today, investors are looking for opportunities that combine stability and high income potential. One of the most promising ways is to invest in your own production – your business. This is not just a reliable investment, but also a chance to create something real: a product that will be in demand, generate profit and allow you to control every stage of development. This approach provides not only financial return, but also long-term value, because you are building a business that works for you and meets modern market trends.

If you want to know more or get advice on the selection of equipment, please contact our specialists. For example, our company STvega has good experience in supplying equipment for juice production. We will help you make an informed choice, calculate the cost and lay a solid foundation for a successful start of your business.

Juice production is a business with a clear model that fits perfectly into the current trends of healthy eating and support for local producers. The global market is showing steady growth, and Ukraine has all the conditions for rapid development: from cheap raw materials to export opportunities. By investing in this segment today, you can not only make a quick profit, but also gain a foothold in an industry that promises to remain relevant for decades. It’s time to act – the market is waiting for new players!

,

Prime Minister of India called to use situation for productive negotiations between Ukraine and Russia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he remains a consistent supporter of peace, and “where we can act as peacemakers, we are happy to take on this responsibility.”

“Because India is the land of Gautam Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi. And Indians are not prone to enmity and conflict. Instead, we support harmony… We stand for peace. And wherever we can act as peacemakers, we are happy to take on that responsibility,” Modi said in an interview for Lex Friedman’s podcast, published on Sunday.

According to the prime minister, he has good relations with both Ukraine and Russia.

“I have close relations with both Russia and Ukraine. I can sit with President Putin and say that now is not the time for war. And I can also say to President Zelensky in a friendly way that, brother, no matter how many people stand with you in the world, there will never be a solution on the battlefield. The solution will come only when both Ukraine and Russia sit down at the negotiating table,” the Indian Prime Minister said.

“It was difficult to find peace at first, but the current situation provides an opportunity for meaningful and productive talks between Ukraine and Russia,” Modi emphasized.

According to him, the war has brought “a lot of suffering, even the Global South has suffered”. “The world is struggling with the crisis of food, fuel and fertilizers. So, the international community must unite in the pursuit of peace. As for me, I have always maintained that I am on the side of peace. I am not neutral. I have a position, and it is peace. And peace is what I am striving for,” Modi summarized.

,

How much will Trump White House back Ukraine?

Ukraine is no longer a top US priority under President Donald Trump. As he appears to be inching closer to Vladimir Putin’s Russia, the Trump administration seems more likely to defend Taiwan and Israel than Ukraine.

Looming trade wars with China and Europe, tariff disputes with neighbors Canada and Mexico, the war in Gaza, plummeting stock markets, and protests against mass layoffs: US President Donald Trump is currently fighting on many (partly home-made) fronts at the same time.

Amid these crises, there is another question. Will the US let Ukraine fall? It seems only a matter of time before it is answered with a “yes.”

After a number of unsuccessful attempts to impose a temporary ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow, there are many factors that seem to point towards this menacing scenario.

Trump: Ukraine ‘may not survive’

Trump recently addressed the issue himself. In an interview with the US broadcaster Fox News after an altercation with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on February 27, the US president was asked by the anchor Maria Bartiromo whether he was “comfortable” with the idea that Ukraine “may not survive” the war with Russia.

“Well, it may not survive anyway,” Trump told Fox News. “It takes two. Look, it was not going to happen, that war, and it happened. So, now we’re stuck with this mess.”

Marco Rubio, the new US secretary of state, also made clear that Ukraine was not top of the Trump administration’s priorities at his hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 15.

Rubio said that the US would continue to stand by its closest allies, mentioning Taiwan and Israel explicitly. Regarding Ukraine, he said it was time to be “realistic” and suggested that both sides would have to make “concessions.”

“But ultimately, under President Trump, the top priority of the United States Department of State will be the United States,” he said. “American taxpayer dollars should only be spent to advance US interests, and every penny should be scrutinized to ensure its sincerity and effectiveness.”

In a recent op-ed for The Guardian, Stephan Wertheim, an expert on US foreign policy at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, pointed out that “none of Trump’s predecessors ever made a commitment to fight for Ukraine. Joe Biden explicitly ruled out sending US troops when he saw Russia’s full-scale invasion coming.”

He added that no NATO allies had come to Ukraine’s direct defense. “The reason is obvious: it would mean war with Russia, a prospect that Nato allies can still deter regardless of what happens in Ukraine.”

“If Ukraine and Europe continue to push for strong US security guarantees,” he continued. “They have a small chance of succeeding and a larger chance of creating a permanent rupture with Trump. The president could conclude that his allies refuse to listen and, worse, keep trying to entrap him.”

Is Ukraine a pawn in the Russia-US relationship?

Stefan Meister, the head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia at the German Council on Foreign Relations, is very critical of Trump’s refusal to offer security guarantees to Ukraine.

The US president has “already massively worsened his own negotiating position and that of Ukraine,” he told German broadcaster SWR. “Why should Moscow make any compromises when the US president is already offering half of what Russia is demanding?”

He said that he was worried that Ukraine could simply fall by the wayside as Russia-US relations were readjusted. “My impression is that Trump ultimately doesn’t really care about Ukraine,” he said, explaining that Ukraine might just be “a pawn” given to Russia in return for “other things.”

These “other things” could be related to the topics mentioned by Rubio. Israel and peace in the Middle East, relations with China, dealings with Iran, and a rapprochement between Washington and Moscow.

The US columnist Robert Kagan has no illusions. “President Trump has made it clear that the US is no longer prepared to defend Europe,” the former Republican, who has advised several US presidents, said in an interview with the German weekly newspaper Die Zeit.

Kagan said that the idea of standing up for democracy in other regions of the world was alien to Trump. “He seems to have no qualms about concluding a ‘deal’ with Putin’s criminal regime over the heads of the Europeans.”

https://www.dw.com/en/how-much-will-trump-white-house-back-ukraine/a-71933259

 

,