Ukraine Becomes a Net Importer of Dairy Products

This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers, citing preliminary data from the State Statistics Service.

Thus, in January–August this year, imports of dairy products amounted to 56.2 thousand tonnes, which is 39% more than in the same period last year. The value of imports reached $253 million (+23%). Cheese accounts for 58% of total imports. In August, 8.23 thousand tonnes of products were imported (-6% compared with July 2026, +59% compared with August last year).

At the same time, exports of dairy products from Ukraine in January–August amounted to 86.92 thousand tonnes (-7%), while export revenue totalled $248.79 million (-17%). In August, 10.86 thousand tonnes of products were exported (-11% compared with July, +7% compared with August) worth $30.51 million (-18% and -2%, respectively).

«The foreign trade balance in August 2026 was negative and amounted to $3.34 million,» the association stated.

The main export categories were: ice cream — 26%; condensed milk and cream — 25%; cheese — 17%; butter — 11%; whey — 7%.

It is noted that compared with August 2025, Ukraine increased the physical volume of exports of condensed milk and cream to 2.76 thousand tonnes (+22%), fermented dairy products (+25%), whey to 1.35 thousand tonnes (+18%), and ice cream to 2.17 thousand tonnes (+37.3%). Revenue from shipments of condensed milk and cream increased to $7.75 million (+36%), fermented dairy products (+29%), whey (+89%), and ice cream to $7.96 million (+35%).

«While last year Ukraine still remained a net exporter of dairy products, based on the results of the first eight months of 2026 it has effectively become an importing country. Ukraine’s export structure is dominated by raw-material products with relatively low margins, such as skimmed milk powder or whey. Cheese is one of the highest-margin Ukrainian dairy products on foreign markets, but its share in exports has not been increased significantly. On the contrary, imports of cheese and other dairy products have grown, which is a cause for concern, as Ukraine has the capacity to supply the domestic market with its own products,» the association concluded.