Ukraine slashes pork imports, boosts exports - industry association

MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax) - Ukraine exported 2,500 tonnes of chilled and frozen pork, imported 2,100 tonnes in January-October 2024, and imports have chances to fall to its all-time low, Ukrainian media quoted a statement made by the Pork Producers of Ukraine industry association, which refers to the data of the Ukrainian State Customs Service.

"Given the minimal presence of imported pork on the market (less than 1% of the total capacity), this year the meat industry is most focused on domestically produced products. At the same time, the low external supplies of pork 'hint' that this year may see a new record low in import volumes, falling below the previous one of 5,200 tonnes, which was seen in 2018," the statement said.

The association highly appreciated the growth of pork supplies to foreign markets, which exceeded 2,500 tonnes in January-October and brought $6 million, which is higher than the costs of pork imports by $780,000.

Ukraine will be able to end 2024 as a net exporter, albeit with a small margin, it said.

More tangible export achievements are obstructed by the limited geography of foreign trade, it said. Hence, 75% of Ukrainian pork is supplied to the United Arab Emirates, while the rest in insignificant volumes to Angola, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Liberia, and Malaysia.