Since the beginning of the year, exports of exchange-traded commodities from Ukraine declined due to lower global prices, weak demand, and intensified competition in export markets. In the autumn, the situation may change thanks to the recovery of exports to Europe at more favorable prices.
According to preliminary data from the SSSU, in July 2026, 12.27 thousand tons of dairy products worth 37.40 million USD were exported. Physical export volumes increased by 6%, and monetary revenue grew by 7% relative to June 2026. Relative to July 2025, physical export volumes decreased by 2%, and monetary revenue dropped by 11%. In January–July 2026, Ukraine exported 76.05 thousand tons (-9%) of dairy products worth 218.27 million USD (-18%).
The main export categories were the following commodities: Ice cream – 28%; Milk and cream, concentrated – 24%; Butter – 14%; Cheeses – 13%; Casein – 9%.
In July 2026, Ukraine increased physical export volumes of unconcentrated milk and cream to 1.38 thousand tons (+8%), fermented milk products to 719 tons (+10%), ice cream to 2.88 thousand tons (+7%), butter to 1.07 tons (+66%), cheese to 1.13 thousand tons (+4%), and casein to 477 tons (+15%) relative to June 2026. Over the last month, physical export volumes of milk whey decreased to 1.36 thousand tons (-10%). Relative to July 2025, Ukraine increased physical export volumes of fermented milk products to 719 tons (+30%), milk whey (+11%), and ice cream (+9.8%). At the same time, exports of unconcentrated milk and cream (-17%), concentrated milk and cream (-1%), butter (-20%), cheese (-3%), and casein (-35.9%) declined relative to July 2025.
In July 2026, Ukraine increased export revenue for shipped batches of fermented milk products to 1.02 million USD (+6%), butter to 5.36 million USD (+55%), ice cream to 10.49 million USD (+6%), and casein to 3.29 million USD (+18%) relative to June 2026. However, over the last month, monetary revenue for exported unconcentrated milk and cream decreased to 1.18 million USD (-7%), concentrated milk and cream to 8.83 million USD (-5%), milk whey to 2.22 million USD (-4%), and cheeses to 4.97 million USD (-2%). Relative to July 2025, monetary revenue for shipped fermented milk products increased by 32%, milk whey by 81%, and ice cream, but decreased for shipped casein (-28%), cheeses (-6%), butter (-45%), unconcentrated milk and cream (-12%), and concentrated milk and cream (-1%).
Despite the increase in dairy exports in July, Ukraine shipped fewer exchange-traded commodities to foreign markets than last year due to lower global prices for dairy products. Barriers to exporting dairy products to the EU are not tariff restrictions, but insufficiently attractive prices. According to FAO data, in July, prices for butter, whole milk powder, and skimmed milk powder weakened, which offset a certain growth in cheese prices. Exchange-traded commodities depreciated due to excess export supply, weak import demand, and intensified competition among suppliers. Sluggish import demand from China outweighed active purchases in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Cheese prices grew due to a seasonal reduction in milk supply in the EU.
Export volumes of skimmed milk powder from Ukraine are declining, which should foster the accumulation of the commodity in warehouses of milk processing enterprises. It is expected that in the autumn the situation may change thanks to the recovery of exports to Europe at more favorable prices. More attractive prices on the European market remain a key factor supporting the interest of Ukrainian producers to export dairy products to EU member states. For now, neighboring post-Soviet countries remain the main foreign sales markets.
Current problems with maritime exports in terms of the scale of challenges are comparable to the situation at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. At the same time, Ukraine has experience in quickly reorienting cargo flows and developing alternative logistics. The Danube corridor will continue to remain an important component of export logistics. Also, the potential of land routes will be used to the maximum extent possible. During the full-scale war, more than ten new dry ports were created on the western border of Ukraine, which will provide additional opportunities for transshipment and export of Ukrainian products in the near future.
In July, Ukraine increased imports of dairy products to 8.79 thousand tons, which is 1% more relative to June 2026 and 71% more relative to July 2025. In January–July 2026, Ukraine imported 47.96 thousand tons of dairy products worth 219.27 million USD. Physical import volumes increased by 36% relative to last year's period. The share of cheeses in total imports makes up 59%. The Ukrainian cheese market faces growing imports from Poland and a large-scale problem of illegal supplies, which already occupy about 30% of the market. The state is strengthening control over imports, in particular commodities brought in under the guise of humanitarian aid, as shadow supplies affect the reduction of domestic product production and cause significant budget losses. Cargoes under the guise of humanitarian aid arrive in Ukraine under simplified procedures, and such products do not undergo laboratory quality control and do not have labeling in the Ukrainian language. Food import logistics is exposed to much lower risks, as approximately 80% of supplies arrive in our country via land routes.
The foreign trade balance in July 2026 was positive and stood at 918 thousand USD.
Press service of the Association of Milk Producers
Follow us on LinkedIn
Related News