The volume of IT services exports from Ukraine in the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 16 percent year-on-year to $1.68 billion, the IT Ukraine Association said in a press release on Friday.
It pointed out that for January-December 2022, IT services exports increased by $400 million compared to 2021, to $7.35 billion.
“This decline (in Q1-2023) is due to two factors: first – in previous years, the industry grew at an ultra-high rate, and second – each first quarter of a new year traditionally has a decline compared to the first quarter of the previous year. However, the results of the quarterly exports of IT-services from Ukraine in 2022-2023 show that now the industry has entered into a “flat”, that is, growth has stopped and a significant decline has not begun, “- a comment from the executive director of the Association IT Ukraine Konstantin Vasyuk said in a press release.
According to the Association, in the fourth quarter of 2021, exports of IT services from Ukraine amounted to $ 2.11 billion, in the first quarter of 2022 – $ 2 billion, in the second quarter – $ 1.74 billion, in the third quarter – $ 1.74 billion, in the fourth quarter – $ 1.87 billion. At the same time, the first quarter 2023 export figure is higher than any first quarter figure since 2014, when it was only $0.34 billion. Even in Q1 2021, the figure was lower than the current $1.44 billion. It was only surpassed in Q1 2022 at $2 billion.
It is reported that according to the Association’s observations, which are based on data from the National Bank (NBU), a similar situation took place in 2014, when the IT-sector also showed a drop of 26% and held positions $350-400 million quarterly. However, in 2016, the IT-sector resumed growth and until 2022 was adding 20% annually.
With reference to the NBU data, the IT Ukraine Association reports that IT services account for 43% of total services exports from Ukraine in the first quarter of 2023.
Ovostar Union Agro Group, one of Ukraine’s leading egg and egg products producers, cut egg production by 2% to 362 million eggs in the first quarter of 2023, but was able to significantly boost exports of products with a significant increase in prices compared to last year, according to an operational report on the Warsaw Stock Exchange on Thursday.
“Management has taken all steps to minimize the adverse effects on the current production situation, which made it possible to maintain production and sales at the prewar level,” Boris Belikov, the company’s CEO, said in the report.
According to him, the range of products and distribution channels have been reviewed and brought in line with current market needs, and in general, taking into account the circumstances, the results of the group in the first quarter of 2023 can be considered satisfactory.
It is pointed out that the number of laying hens decreased by 2% in the first quarter of 2023 compared to one year ago, including a 6.2% decrease to 7.12 million and 6.38 million laying hens, respectively.
Sales in the egg segment rose 4% to 241 million, including export sales jumped 3.9 times to 105 million, and their share rose from 11% to 44%.
The average price of eggs rose 56% to $0.139/egg during the reporting period, according to the report.
According to the report, the volume of processed eggs in Q1 2023 remained at the level of the previous year – 92 million eggs: 406 tons of dry and 3,073 thousand tons of liquid egg products were produced, compared to respectively 561 tons and 2,131 tons in the first quarter of last year.
Sales of dry egg products increased to 531 tons from 429 tons in the first quarter of 2022. Exports increased to 354 tons, or 67%, from 238 tons, or 55%.
Sales of liquid egg products rose to 3,063,000 tons from 2,182,000 tons, including exports of 1,291,000 tons versus 728 tons, increasing its share to 42% from 33%.
As with eggs, the average price of egg products for the year increased significantly: dry – by 32%, to $ 8.79 / kg, liquid – by 44%, to $ 2.66 / kg (all prices are excluding VAT).
Taking into account these sales figures and prices, the total revenues of the three product categories in the first quarter of this year can be estimated at $46.3 million, up 68.1% as compared to $27.6 million in the first quarter of last year.
The group’s holding company, Ovostar Union N.V. – in mid-June 2011, it floated 25% of its shares on the WSE and raised $33.2 mln. Its majority stake is owned by Prime One Capital Limited, which is controlled by its chief executive B. Belikov and chairman of the board Vitaliy Veresenko.
In 2022, Ovostar reportedly reduced egg production by 9% to 1.55 billion eggs and sales by 6% to 1.08 billion eggs.
Sales of dry egg products over the past year decreased by one-third to 2.13 thousand tons, liquid – by 26%, to 10.62 thousand tons.
Ukraine in January-March this year, Ukraine increased exports of sunflower oil by 14.5% – to 1 million 322.611 thousand tons.
According to customs statistics, in monetary terms, exports of these products in the first quarter decreased by 13.6% – to $1 billion 355.889 million ($1 billion 568.449 million in the first quarter of 2022).
In 2022, Ukraine reduced exports of sunflower oil by 16.4%, to $4 billion 290.336 million, in monetary terms – by 14.5%, to $5 billion 464.151 million.
Ukraine increased export of condensed milk and cream fourfold – up to 6.747 thousand tons in January-March 2023. Ukraine exported condensed milk and cream totaling $17.680 million in January-March 2023 (+83.8% for the same period). Imports of this group of products decreased by 3.2 times, to 220 tons, in monetary terms, fell by 4.8 times – to $ 940 thousand.
Most exports of condensed milk and cream went to Poland (21.74% of deliveries in monetary terms), Israel (10.16%) and Bangladesh (9.08%), while imports – from Poland (55.64%), Czech Republic (28.62%) and Germany (13.72%).
The saturated market of Ukraine and its geographical location make our country an attractive market for foreign goods. However, importing goods to Ukraine is a complex process that requires knowledge of legislation, international relations, and customs clearance procedures. These and other issues were discussed by the founder of the Club of Experts Maxim Urakin and the President of the Ukrainian Exporters Club Yevheniia Lytvynova in a new video on the YouTube channel “Club of Experts”.
According to Maksym Urakin, before starting to import goods, it is necessary to conduct a detailed analysis of the market and legislation of Ukraine and the exporting country, as well as calculate all costs associated with delivery, customs clearance and taxes.
“This will help you draw up a clear action plan and avoid unpleasant situations during the import process,” the expert emphasized.
Yevheniia Lytvynova, President of the Ukrainian Exporters Club, also emphasizes the need to research the market and check the reputation of potential suppliers.
“Market research and checking the reputation of potential partners can help you find a reliable supplier,” she said.
According to Yevheniia Lytvynova, successful import of goods requires a thorough analysis of all aspects of the importer’s future business strategy.
“Before you start importing goods, you need to conduct a detailed analysis of the market, legal requirements and your capabilities, as well as calculate all the costs associated with delivery, customs clearance and taxes. This will help you draw up a clear plan of action and avoid unpleasant situations during the import process,” emphasized Lytvynova.
Regarding the documents to be prepared for importing goods, Lytvynova noted that the contract between the importer and exporter, invoice, transportation document (e.g., waybill or bill of lading), quality certificate and certificate of origin should be put in the forefront.
“In addition to these basic documents, additional documents may be required depending on the characteristics of the goods and the requirements of Ukrainian legislation. In particular, licenses, certificates of conformity, permits and other documents confirming compliance with safety, hygiene, environmental requirements, etc. may be required,” she explained.
Maksym Urakin also emphasized that studying local legislation and choosing a reliable supplier are also very important steps in the import process. According to the experts, in order to successfully sell goods in Ukraine, it is also necessary to take into account the difficulties that may arise after their delivery.
“Even if the goods are of high quality and interesting, they still need to be sold. But here in Ukraine, even after obtaining certificates and relevant permits, sales can be restricted due to various customs barriers, which leads to breach of contract. Therefore, we advise our companies to conduct a detailed analysis of the market and legal requirements. This will allow them to prepare the right documentation and comply with all requirements,” said Yevgeniya Lytvynova.
To increase export sales, experts recommend improving product quality and providing buyers with more information about their goods.
“Nowadays, many buyers check the quality of goods and their compliance with standards. If your products don’t meet the requirements, they simply won’t buy them,” emphasized Maksym Urakin.
In this regard, experts advise to focus on developing the quality of goods and their competitiveness. In addition, according to Maxim Urakin, it is important to participate in international exhibitions and forums where you can find new partners and establish contacts with potential suppliers.
Thus, according to the experts, it is very important to comply with all the requirements and norms set by law when importing goods, conduct a detailed market analysis and check the reputation of suppliers. It is also important to ensure the quality of goods and timely delivery, while considering all possible risks and costs. Importing goods can be a very profitable business if you organize it properly. Experienced experts advise to study the market and determine your capabilities to avoid unpleasant situations and ensure successful business development.
Watch the full video here:
Subscribe to the Experts Club channel here:
EXPERTS, EXPERTS CLUB, EXPORT, EXPORTERS CLUB, IMPORT, IMPORT_PRODUCTS, LITVINOVA, URAKIN
The Lithuanian government may help Ukraine export up to 1 million tons of grain by rail after Poland temporarily banned grain imports from Ukraine, said Lithuanian Economy and Innovation Minister Ausrini Armonaitė.
“The port of Klaipeda and Lithuanian Railways can play an important role in creating momentum to help Poland resolve the situation and guarantee grain exports outside the EU. Lithuania could help safely transport up to 1 million tons of grain from Ukraine by rail. This would be a real solution for Ukraine and a benefit for Poland,” Verslo zinios quoted the minister as saying.
In turn, the president of the Association of Lithuanian Sea Cargo Companies Vaidotas Shileyko noted that the port of Klaipeda is able to process more than 1 million tons of grain a year, but because of the difficult logistics, it is impossible to import more.
“Lithuanian railroads started transporting small volumes of Ukrainian grain through Poland to the port of Klaipeda last May. The main problem here is different railway gauges: Ukraine and Lithuania still use Russian gauges, while Poland uses European ones, which means that rolling stock has to be changed at the border,” he explained.
