Ukraine cuts dairy product export in monetary equivalent by 30% in 2023
Source: The DairyNews
Ukraine witnessed a notable reduction of almost 30% in the monetary equivalent of dairy product exports in 2023 compared to the previous year, coupled with a simultaneous increase of over 15% in imports, as reported by Ukrainian media outlets, referencing information shared by the Dairy Enterprises Union of Ukraine on social platforms.
In 2023, the negative balance between dairy product exports and imports reached $77.2 million, marking a stark contrast from the positive $28.2 million balance observed in the previous year. The union highlighted that the dairy goods sector essentially drained funds from Ukraine throughout the past year.
The import surge in 2023 encompassed nearly all categories of dairy products, creating a varying balance between export and import (balance). For fermented dairy products, the gap fluctuated between -289 tonnes in September and -615 tonnes in March. In the case of cottage cheese, it ranged from -1,398 tonnes in January to -2,902 tonnes in December.
A significant turning point occurred in October 2023 when the import of butter surpassed its export, resulting in the most negative balance for this trade item in November.
Moreover, the export volume of butter experienced a substantial 45% decline in 2023, a trend not mirrored to the same extent in other types of dairy products. The overall export revenues from butter sales decreased by 1.4 times compared to 2022, primarily attributed to an unfavorable pricing environment throughout 2023.
The union reported substantial increases in the import of butter and milk whey in 2023, rising by 2.4 and 1.4 times, respectively. While the import of cheeses in physical terms remained consistent, there was a notable 10% growth in value. Consequently, the overall import increased by over 1.15 times compared to the previous year, 2022.
The dynamics in Ukraine's dairy trade underscore the challenges and shifts in the global market, prompting a comprehensive evaluation of strategies to enhance the nation's position in the dairy sector.
The import surge in 2023 encompassed nearly all categories of dairy products, creating a varying balance between export and import (balance). For fermented dairy products, the gap fluctuated between -289 tonnes in September and -615 tonnes in March. In the case of cottage cheese, it ranged from -1,398 tonnes in January to -2,902 tonnes in December.
A significant turning point occurred in October 2023 when the import of butter surpassed its export, resulting in the most negative balance for this trade item in November.
Moreover, the export volume of butter experienced a substantial 45% decline in 2023, a trend not mirrored to the same extent in other types of dairy products. The overall export revenues from butter sales decreased by 1.4 times compared to 2022, primarily attributed to an unfavorable pricing environment throughout 2023.
The union reported substantial increases in the import of butter and milk whey in 2023, rising by 2.4 and 1.4 times, respectively. While the import of cheeses in physical terms remained consistent, there was a notable 10% growth in value. Consequently, the overall import increased by over 1.15 times compared to the previous year, 2022.
The dynamics in Ukraine's dairy trade underscore the challenges and shifts in the global market, prompting a comprehensive evaluation of strategies to enhance the nation's position in the dairy sector.
