Ukraine has stopped buying heifers abroad and is actively exporting cattle

This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers with reference to customs data.

Cash proceeds from exported animals amounted to $ 5.26 million (+16% compared to February, +6% compared to March).

«In January-March 2026, Ukraine exported 5.53 thousand tons (+6.1%) of cattle worth $ 11.61 million (+10%),» — the association states.

It is also noted that in March 2026, Ukrainian exporters supplied 467.2 tons of fresh or chilled beef to foreign markets (+102% compared to February). Export revenue amounted to $ 3.69 million (118%). In January-March, exports amounted to 991 tons of fresh beef worth $7.61 million.

«Ukraine has increased exports of fresh beef almost 23 times more than in the previous year,» — the association emphasized.

Exports of frozen beef in March amounted to 1.67 thousand tons (+31% compared to February, +10% compared to March). Revenue amounted to $ 7.37 million (+27% and +31%, respectively). In January-March of this year, 3.91 thousand tons (-8%) of frozen beef worth $17.8 million (+13%) were exported.

«Ukraine has increased cattle exports amid low purchase prices for raw milk and high prices in export markets and a certain shortage of red meat in the world», — the association explained.

At the same time, the negative price trend for raw milk affected the import of heifers to Ukraine.

«Imports of chilled beef increased to 19.3 tons (+41%), and frozen beef increased to 83.5 tons (+20%) compared to the previous month. Compared to March 2025, the natural volume of imports of chilled beef increased by 23%, and frozen beef decreased by 51%», — the association said.

The foreign trade balance in March 2026 was positive and amounted to $ 15.21 million.