Ukraine reduces pork imports to record low of 2,100 tonnes; increasing exports

In January-October 2024, Ukraine exported 2,500 tonnes of chilled and frozen pork meat, and imported 2,100 tonnes, imports have a chance to fall to a record low, the Association of pig breeders of Ukraine (AUPB) said, citing data from the State Customs Service.

"Considering the minimal presence of imported pork on the market (less than 1% of the total capacity), this year the meat industry is most focused on domestically produced products. At the same time, the low activity of external pork supplies 'hints' that this year may set a new record low in terms of import volumes, beating the previous one – 5,200 tonnes, which was recorded in 2018," the analysts said.

The association highly appreciated the growth of pork supplies to foreign markets, which in January-October exceeded 2,500 tonnes and brought in $6 million, which is $780,000 higher than the cost of pork imports.

Analysts predict that Ukraine will be able to complete 2024 as a net exporter, albeit with a slight gap.

As the association notes, the limited geography of foreign trade hinders more tangible export achievements. Thus, 75% of Ukrainian pork is sent to the UAE, the rest in small quantities to Bahrain, Malaysia, Liberia, Hong Kong and Angola.

As reported, the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection is negotiating the approval of bilateral veterinary certificates necessary for establishing foreign trade with a number of countries, in particular South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, etc.