Business news from Ukraine

Business news from Ukraine

China, Poland, and Germany remain Ukraine’s largest trading partners in 2025 – analysis by Experts Club

The Experts Club Information and Analytical Center analyzed updated data on Ukraine’s foreign trade volumes for the first half of 2025, published by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. The analysis is based on official customs statistics and covers 49 of Ukraine’s main trading partners from all continents. The study revealed key trends in foreign economic relations that demonstrate the depth of the country’s international integration.

China remains Ukraine’s largest trading partner, with a total trade volume of nearly US$9 billion. This is more than three times higher than the figures for any individual European country. Poland ranks second with a result of over US$6 billion, demonstrating its stable role as the main European hub for Ukrainian exports and imports. Germany ranks third with a volume of US$4.28 billion.

Turkey ($4.25 billion) and the US ($2.86 billion) also made it into the top five, reflecting the broad geography of Ukraine’s trade relations.

European countries traditionally play a leading role in Ukraine’s foreign trade. Among them, in addition to Poland and Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania are worth noting — all of them are among the top 10 partners. High indicators testify not only to the volume of trade, but also to the stability of logistics and production chains in the region.

This also confirms the gradual reformatting of Ukraine’s foreign trade orientation towards EU markets, particularly after the introduction of a duty-free regime, accession to the single customs space, and reorientation from traditional post-Soviet markets.

Among Asian countries, China remains the undisputed leader, retaining its strategic importance as a market for raw materials and a source of industrial imports. Turkey, although part of the Eurasian space, is actively strengthening its position in trade thanks to its flexible policy and developed logistics through the Black Sea.

Among other Asian players, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and India are notable for their presence, gradually increasing trade volumes with Ukraine, especially in the high-tech and pharmaceutical segments.

The United States remains Ukraine’s most important partner in the Western Hemisphere. Despite its geographical distance, the US is among the top five trading partners with a volume of over $2.85 billion. This testifies to deep economic interaction that complements political and defense partnerships.

Brazil and Mexico are also represented in the overall ranking, demonstrating growth in trade volumes, primarily in the agricultural and industrial goods segments.

They are increasingly appearing in Ukraine’s trade balance. In particular, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya show stable demand for Ukrainian grain, metallurgical products, and machine-building products. At the same time, the potential of African markets for Ukrainian exports remains significant and can be realized under conditions of expanded logistics routes and political stability.

Top 10 trading partners of Ukraine in January–June 2025
No. Country Trade volume (USD million)
1 China 8,996
2 Poland 6,043
3 Germany 4,279
4 Turkey 4,249
5 United States 2,859
6 Italy 2,384
7 Czech Republic 1,641
8 Bulgaria 1,539
9 Hungary 1,526
10 Romania 1,499

“The latest foreign trade data demonstrate not only the geographical diversification of Ukraine’s partners, but also a clear focus on integration into the European and global markets. Despite the difficult security situation, Ukrainian business continues to expand into international economic chains, especially in the fields of agricultural products, metallurgy, and machine building. Significant growth in trade with EU countries and the US, as well as strong cooperation with China and Turkey, show that Ukraine has not lost its ability to be an active player in the global market,” says Maxim Urakin, founder of Experts Club and candidate of economic sciences.

Data for the first half of 2025 indicate that Ukraine’s foreign economic relations remain geographically diverse. The EU remains a reliable economic partner, China retains its position as the No. 1 global player, and North American and Asian countries are strengthening their roles. Africa is a promising direction that requires strategic attention.

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Ukraine’s foreign trade deficit in goods rose to $18.5 bln in first half of year

Ukraine’s foreign trade deficit in goods in January-June 2025 increased by 48.9% compared to the same period in 2024, to $18.512 billion from $12.430 billion, the State Statistics Service (Gosstat) reported on Thursday.

According to its data, exports of goods from Ukraine during the specified period compared to January-June 2024 decreased by 4.2% to $20.045 billion, while imports increased by 15.6% to $38.557 billion.

Gosstat specified that in June, compared to May of this year, seasonally adjusted export volumes decreased by 5.6% to $3.321 billion, while imports increased by 2.8% to $7.186 billion.

The seasonally adjusted foreign trade balance in June 2025 was negative at $3.865 billion, while in the previous month it was also negative at $3.465 billion.

The export-to-import coverage ratio for the first six months of 2025 was 0.52 (in January-June 2024, it was 0.63).

The State Statistics Service specified that foreign trade operations were conducted with partners from 221 countries around the world.

Earlier, the Experts Club information and analytical center made a video analysis of the prospects for the Ukrainian and global economies. For more details, see the video — https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=F4IOLdLuVbYmEh5P

 

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Eurozone showed growth of 0.1% in second quarter — Romania leads way, Ireland in red

The eurozone economy grew by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the previous three months and by 1.4% year-on-year, according to revised data from the EU statistics office (Eurostat). The figures were in line with previous estimates and analysts’ expectations.

In January-March, the eurozone’s GDP grew faster, by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter and 1.1% year-on-year.

Ranking of eurozone countries by GDP growth in Q2 (quarter-on-quarter)

  1. Ireland — down 1.0%
  2. Germany — down 0.1%
  3. Italy — down 0.1%
  4. Netherlands — up 0.1%
  5. France — up 0.3%
  6. Spain — up 0.7%
  7. Romania — up 1.2%

Overall, the EU economy grew by 0.2% in the second quarter and 1.5% year-on-year.

Among the largest economies in the eurozone, Germany and Italy showed a moderate decline, while France and Spain showed significant growth. The largest increase was recorded in Romania, and the largest decline was in Ireland.

This is the second estimate of the change in eurozone GDP out of three; Eurostat will present the final data on September 5.

Earlier, the information and analytical center Experts Club made a video analysis of the prospects for the Ukrainian and global economies. For more details, see the video — https://youtu.be/kQsH3lUvMKo?si=F4IOLdLuVbYmEh5P

 

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Analysis of roofing materials market in Ukraine

According to industry forecasts and research by the Experts Club analytical center, the construction materials market in Ukraine, including roofing systems, is showing a slight recovery after the crisis years of 2022–2023. According to 6Wresearch, this segment will grow at an average annual rate of 6.9% in 2025–2031. The main demand comes from private housing construction and projects to rebuild destroyed homes and warehouses.

The largest Ukrainian manufacturers of roofing materials are:

  • Kovalska Group — produces building mixtures and roofing elements;
  • Bard Ukraine — produces flexible bitumen tiles;
  • Technonicol Ukraine — roll roofing, hydro and thermal insulation;
  • Polyprom Group — metal roofing, profiled sheet metal, drainage systems;
  • Metalloprofil-Center, Alta-Profil Ukraine — profiled and plastic solutions.

According to industry experts, Ukrainian production covers up to 70% of domestic demand.

According to Ukrainian customs statistics, in 2024, imports of roofing materials amounted to about 14,000 tons worth $26 million. The main suppliers were:

Country          Volume (tons)            Well-known brands

Poland               4,700                                Braas, Creaton, Roben

Germany           3,800                                Braas Monier, Erlus

Italy                    1,500                                Tegola Canadese, Wierer

France                1,200                                Imerys, Terreal

Spain                  900                                   Cobert, Tejas Borja

Hungary            650                                   Mediterran

Roofing materials are construction products and coatings designed for the upper layer of a roof, which protects the building from precipitation, wind, temperature changes, solar radiation, and mechanical influences.

Roofing materials are made from various materials, including:

  • metal — steel (galvanized or polymer-coated), aluminum, copper, zinc-titanium;
  • clay — fired for ceramic tiles;
  • cement-sand mixture — for cement-sand tiles;
  • bitumen — oxidized or modified, for roll and soft roofing;
  • polymers — PVC, TPO, EPDM for membrane roofing;
  • slate — natural stone for elite roofs;
  • wood — for shingles and shakes.

Main types of roofing materials

  1. Tiles
    • Ceramic (clay) — durable, heavy, highly aesthetic.
    • Cement-sand — cheaper than ceramic, similar in appearance.
    • Bitumen (flexible) — lightweight, suitable for complex roof shapes.
    • Composite — metal base with sprinkles.
  2. Metal roofing
    • Metal roofing — profiled sheets with a polymer coating.
    • Standing seam roofing — smooth or profiled metal sheets.
  3. Roll materials
    • Roofing felt, Euro roofing felt — bitumen-polymer coatings.
    • Membranes — synthetic (PVC, TPO, EPDM) for flat roofs.
  4. Natural materials
    • Slate — a durable stone that lasts up to 100 years or more.
    • Shingles, shakes — wooden plates (usually made of larch).
    • Straw, reeds — traditional eco-roofing materials that require maintenance.

The world leaders in the production of roofing materials of various categories are:

  • Metal roofing — Ruukki (Finland), ArcelorMittal (Luxembourg), Blachotrapez (Poland)
  • Tiles — Wienerberger (Austria), Braas Monier (Germany), Creaton (Germany)
  • Bitumen materials — IKO (Canada/Belgium), Owens Corning (USA), Tegola (Italy)
  • Membranes — Sika (Switzerland), Carlisle (USA), Firestone Building Products (USA).

Ukraine ranks 13th in world in plum production — video analysis by Experts Club

The Experts Club Information and Analytical Center conducted a study on plum cultivation (production) worldwide. A video analysis of the study is available on YouTube.

According to the results of 2023, Ukraine ranked 13th in the world in terms of plum production, according to a video graphic based on official data from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).

The video review published by Experts Club shows the dynamics of plum production in 1991–2023 by country. According to statistics, the leading positions are held by:

TOP 5 plum producing countries in 2023:

China — the undisputed leader, with almost 7 million tons,
Romania
Chile
Serbia
Turkey

The best indicator for Ukraine in recent years was 2021, when the country ranked 9th among the world’s top plum producers. In 2023, the plum harvest in Ukraine amounted to more than 160,000 tons. The main regions for plum production are Zakarpattia, Vinnytsia, Lviv, and Chernivtsi regions.

Plums are used both fresh and for processing: dried plums, jams, juices, and pastila.

Despite military risks and the occupation of part of its southern territories, Ukraine retains its status as an important producer of stone fruits in Eastern Europe.

Global data on the production of major crops for 2024 is currently being processed and will be available within a month.

For more details, see the video review at the link.

Experts Club is a platform for analytical video discussions, interviews, and reviews on key issues in economics, politics, medicine, security, and international relations. The project brings together leading experts, scientists, businesspeople, and public figures for in-depth analysis of current events.

The channel regularly features:

interviews with relevant specialists (economists, doctors, lawyers, diplomats),
expert panel discussions,
analytical videos and infographics (including those based on data from the UN, IMF, and FAO),
reviews of the global and Ukrainian economies.

The goal of the project is to form an independent expert community and develop a culture of analytics in Ukraine.

The Experts Club YouTube channel is available at: youtube.com/@ExpertsClub

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Modern Gynecology – Challenges, Problems, Prospects: Interview with Doctor of Medical Sciences Volodymyr Terekhov

A new interview has been published on the Experts Club YouTube channel with leading Ukrainian obstetrician-gynecologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences Volodymyr Terekhov, focusing on key challenges and trends in modern gynecology. The physician, with over 15 years of experience, shares his observations on women’s health, diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases, as well as prospects for the development of the field in Ukraine and worldwide.

Main topics discussed
Late diagnosis issues: According to Terekhov, up to 70% of patients seek medical help only at advanced stages of illness, including cancer, inflammatory, and hormonal disorders.
Reproductive health: Special attention is given to declining fertility among young women, a growing trend linked to lifestyle, stress, and hormonal imbalances.
Role of prevention: The guest emphasizes that regular check-ups and screenings (such as cytology and ultrasound) are effective early detection tools for diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.
Technological advancement: The conversation also covers progress in minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy, and new diagnostic methods.

In Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Health and international NGOs, one in three women of reproductive age faces a gynecological condition — from fibroids to endometriosis. Around 4,500 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, making it one of the most common cancers among women in the country.

Globally, according to WHO, gynecological conditions affect every second woman over 30. Cervical cancer claims more than 300,000 lives annually despite the availability of vaccination and screening. Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, and infertility affects one in seven couples.

Dr. Volodymyr Terekhov notes that the future of gynecology lies in the integration of new technologies, a multidisciplinary approach, patient education, and digitalization of healthcare. However, this requires investment, reforms, and state support.

Watch the full interview on the Experts Club YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOh20BZmI9g
Subscribe here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ExpertsClub

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