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Lebanon Eyes Increased Imports of Meat, Dairy, and Cattle from Ukraine

Ukraine 03.01.2025
Source: DairyNews.today
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Lebanon is expressing strong interest in expanding imports of meat, dairy products, and cattle from Ukraine as trade relations between the two countries show promising potential. Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitaliy Koval, highlighted this opportunity following his recent visit to Lebanon, according to a statement from the ministry's press office.
Lebanon Eyes Increased Imports of Meat, Dairy, and Cattle from Ukraine
Current Trade and Untapped Potential  

While Ukraine currently exports over $400 million worth of goods to Lebanon annually, Koval noted that the trade potential could reach $1 billion. Products such as cattle, meat, and dairy hold particular promise in light of Lebanon’s growing demand and meat shortages.  

During his visit, Koval met with representatives from over 12 Lebanese companies, including flour millers, food traders, and entrepreneurs involved in importing meat and grain. These businesses, he noted, already import tens of thousands of tons of cattle and have recently begun purchasing sheep from Ukraine, signaling new avenues for trade expansion.  

“Lebanon is an important trading partner for us, and we aim to increase the export of Ukrainian products to their market,” Koval said. “Our discussions with Lebanese entrepreneurs shed light on bureaucratic and logistical hurdles that need to be simplified to enhance trade flows. With clearer priorities, we will continue to work on strengthening this relationship.”  

Building Stronger Trade Ties  

Koval emphasized that addressing logistical challenges and simplifying procedures will be key to unlocking the full potential of trade between the two nations. The Ukrainian community in Lebanon, which is notably active, also supports efforts to increase the presence of Ukrainian products in local markets.  

The minister and his delegation discussed potential logistical links with Ukraine and strategies to expand the availability of Ukrainian goods in Lebanese stores.  

Broader Context and Strategic Insights  

Ukraine’s agricultural sector has long been a cornerstone of its economy, with substantial exports of grain, oilseeds, and livestock products. For nearly 30 years, Ukrainian agri-markets have been supported by platforms like UkrAgroConsult’s AgriSupp, which provides market intelligence on Black Sea and Danube trade, offering daily updates and analytical insights.  

Lebanon’s interest in Ukrainian products is a reflection of the broader demand for affordable and high-quality agricultural goods in the region. By focusing on improving logistics and reducing bureaucratic barriers, Ukraine can solidify its position as a key supplier to Lebanon and potentially expand its presence in other Middle Eastern markets.  

A Path Forward  

As Ukraine continues to strengthen its trade ties with Lebanon, the focus will remain on addressing the practical challenges that hinder trade expansion. With both nations showing strong commitment, the prospect of reaching the $1 billion trade potential appears increasingly achievable. This growing partnership underscores the importance of agricultural trade in fostering economic cooperation and meeting critical food security needs.

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