Ukraine cuts pork imports from EU - association

MOSCOW. April 10 (Interfax) - The aggregate imports of fresh and frozen pork to Ukraine from the European Union amounted to 503 tonnes in March 2023, having declined by nearly two-thirds year-on-year, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the national Association of Pig Breeders.

In monetary terms, Ukraine imported $949,000 worth of pork in March, the lowest monthly figure since 2018, the association said referring to the State Customs Committee data.

"Deadweight pig prices in the EU averaged about $2.54 per kilo in March. The price of pork imported to Ukraine declined to $1.88 per kilo, which is 5.7% lower than in February this year," the association said, attributing the decline in imports to higher prices in EU countries compared to those for domestic pork.

"Even the absence of import duties has not made European pork more price-competitive compared to domestic pork. As long as this status quo is maintained, pork imports will remain slow," it said.

Pork imports to Ukraine in the first quarter of 2023 totaled 3,160 tonnes, decreasing by over 75% compared to the first quarter of 2022, it said.