Main points
- In 2025, Ukraine reduced agricultural export volumes due to a decline in supplies to the EU, but increased sales to Africa and Turkey.
- Turkey became the leading importer of Ukrainian products with purchases worth $2,211 million, while exports to the EU decreased by 17%.
Ukrainian agricultural export / Photo Unsplash
In 2025, Ukraine reduced its agri-food exports due to falling supplies to the European Union and difficult trading conditions. At the same time, sales to African countries increased, and Turkey took the lead among the largest importers for the first time.
Ukrainian exports remained almost unchanged
The year 2025 was marked by a reduction in the supply of Ukrainian agricultural raw materials and food products to world markets. The main reasons were a decrease in exports to the EU due to frequent changes in trade terms, as well as slower harvest rates, said Mykola Pugachev, Deputy Director of the National Research Center “Institute of Agrarian Economics”.
According to the State Customs Service of Ukraine, the total value of agricultural exports at the end of the year amounted to $22.71 billion, which is 9% less than $24.84 billion a year earlier.
Ready to scale your agribusiness? Open Agri Club provides financing for businesses up to 1,500 hectares on favorable terms for business development. Along with the funds, you also receive strategic planning, soil analysis, modern agricultural technologies, and the support of a reliable partner.
The scientists note that key sales markets remained unchanged, but export revenues to the EU and Asian countries decreased, while supplies to African countries increased. Exports to the EU decreased by 17% to $10.8 billion, and the bloc's share was 47.6% of total agricultural exports.
Asian countries, with a share of 30.8%, ranked second with $7 billion, while exports to Africa increased by 8% to $2.8 billion, providing the region with 12.3%.
What has changed among countries importing Ukrainian products?
There were changes in the structure of importers: Turkey topped the ranking with purchases of $2,211 million (+33%). The Netherlands came in second place ($1,696 million), and Italy came in third ($1,579 million). Supplies to Poland remained almost stable at $1,561 million, while Spain reduced purchases by 42% to $1,548 million.
Other important buyers of Ukrainian agricultural products include Egypt, Germany, India, China, and France. Overall, the top 10 countries provided 57% of foreign exchange earnings from agricultural exports.
The basis of exports has traditionally been formed by grains, oils and fats, oilseeds, processed products, meat and offal, as well as dairy products, eggs and honey. These groups accounted for 86% of industry exports in monetary terms.
Despite the difficult security situation in the Black Sea ports, the beginning of 2026 shows relatively positive dynamics: in January, the export of about 5 million tons of food brought in $ 2 billion in revenue. Further prospects will depend on the efficient use of logistics, primarily sea routes.
Ukrainian flour exports fell to a 20-year low: what influenced this?
-
In 2025, Ukraine exported 66.8 thousand tons of flour, which is the lowest figure since 2006.
-
The main reasons for the decline in exports were the loss of traditional markets and logistical difficulties due to the war, although Moldova and some EU countries remain stable sales destinations.