Ukraine increased its cattle exports amid low raw milk purchase prices, high prices in export markets, and a global shortage of red meat.
According to preliminary data from the State Customs Service, in March 2026, Ukraine exported approximately 2.79 thousand tons of live cattle (live weight), which is 58% more compared to February 2026 and 12% more compared to March 2025. Monetary revenue for the exported animals amounted to 5.26 million USD, up 16% from February 2026 and 6% from March 2025. In the period of January–March 2026, Ukraine exported a total of 5.53 thousand tons (+6.1%) of cattle worth 11.61 million USD (+10%).
In March 2026, Ukrainian exporters supplied 467.2 tons of fresh or chilled beef to foreign markets, a 102% increase compared to February. Export revenue for these goods amounted to 3.69 million USD, up 118% from February. For January–March 2026, Ukraine exported 991 tons of fresh beef totaling 7.61 million USD. Ukraine increased its fresh beef exports nearly 23-fold compared to the same period last year.
The physical volume of frozen beef exports from Ukraine in March 2026 was 1.67 thousand tons, which is 31% more than in February 2026 and 10% more than in March 2025. Monetary revenue for these goods amounted to nearly 7.37 million USD, up 27% from February 2026 and 31% from March 2025. In January–March 2026, Ukraine exported 3.91 thousand tons (-8%) of frozen beef worth 17.8 million USD (+13%).
Ukraine ramped up cattle supplies against the backdrop of high prices in export markets. As reported by Beef Magazine, beef and cattle prices in the U.S. remains high due to tight livestock supply and strong domestic demand. The beef cow herd remains low, which is preventing growth in beef production. Demand is further influenced by the approaching barbecue season and rising protein consumption in the country. At the same time, U.S. beef exports are weakening due to restrictions from China. Economic uncertainty could negatively impact domestic demand in the future. However, American beef market expert Dennis Smith believes that the restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lower oil prices—should the conflict in the Persian Gulf end—could reduce the likelihood of an economic downturn in the U.S. and globally.
According to Brasilagro, livestock prices have reached historical highs in Brazil due to limited supply and high demand in foreign markets, primarily from China. Production is constrained by a shortage of animals, while exports are growing actively and may reach quota limits in the near future. Demand remains high, but further price dynamics will depend on China's policy and the potential opening of new markets.
In Australia, beef production has surged, reaching highs not seen in over a decade, driven by strong global demand and high processing capacity utilization. The primary drivers of demand are China, Japan, Korea, and the U.S., which are compensating for their own supply deficits. Vietnam and Indonesia are emerging as promising markets for Australian beef. Despite the increase in red meat production, prices remain high due to the global beef deficit and consistently high demand for protein.
The negative price trend for raw milk has affected the import of heifers to Ukraine. In March 2026, unlike in previous years, not a single heifer was imported into Ukraine. The import volume of chilled beef increased to 19.3 tons (+41%), and frozen beef imports grew to 83.5 tons (+20%) compared to the previous month. Compared to March 2025, physical volumes of chilled beef imports rose by 23%, while frozen beef imports fell by 51%.
The foreign trade balance in March 2026 was positive, amounting to 15.21 million USD.
Press service of the Association of Milk Producers
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