Ukraine Exported Dairy Products Worth $81.5 Million in Q1 2026
According to the Ukrainian Milk Producers Association, despite an overall decline in quarterly figures, a positive trend was observed in March for key categories.
Growth in March: Ice Cream and Processing as Drivers
In March 2026, Ukraine increased exports in several categories compared to February:
- condensed milk and cream — 3.6 thousand tons (+20%),
- fermented dairy products — 612 tons (+22%),
- whey — 1.71 thousand tons (+24%),
- cheese — 1.32 thousand tons (+14%),
- butter — 980 tons (+5%),
- ice cream — 1.37 thousand tons (+96%).
However, exports of non-condensed milk and cream decreased by 10% to 2.01 thousand tons.
Export Structure
The key export categories in March were:
- condensed milk and cream — 25%,
- cheese — 17%,
- butter — 15%,
- casein — 15%.
Revenue Dynamics
Export revenue in March showed mixed dynamics:
Growth compared to February:
- condensed milk and cream — up to $8.92 million (+23%),
- cheese — up to $6.15 million (+20%),
- whey — up to $2.02 million (+31%),
- ice cream — up to $5.3 million (+81%).
Decline:
- non-condensed milk and cream — down to $1.71 million (-3%).
On an annual basis, casein showed the most significant growth — +31% (up to $5.3 million), while revenue from butter exports decreased by 46%.
February Figures
In February 2026, exports amounted to 12.43 thousand tons worth $35.38 million.
Compared to January, volumes increased by 25.1%, and revenue by 44%, indicating a short-term recovery in external demand.
Trade Balance
In March, the trade balance for dairy products remained positive at $2.47 million.
