Ukraine cuts pork imports 73% in 11M - association

MOSCOW. Dec 5 (Interfax) - Ukraine reduced pork imports 73% year-on-year in January-November to 12,600 tonnes, Ukrainian media quoted the Pig Breeders of Ukraine association as saying.

Ukraine imported 677.7 tonnes of fresh, chilled and frozen pork for $2.05 million in November, down two thirds from October and down 41.2% from November 2022.

Pork imports fell in the second half of autumn amid a seasonal drop in domestic prices.

According to the association, average purchase prices peaked in September, after which they slacked in a seasonal drop and were 16% below the September level in November. The average customs value of imported pork rose 17% from an average of $2.58/kilo in September to more than $3 in November. The rise affected both raw meat of European origin and Canadian pork, which accounted for 55% of all November imports.

"Logistics problems and increased transportation costs were a further limitation on the supply of imported pork. However, according to importers, the decisive role in this case was played by a decrease in the economic appeal of imports against the backdrop of cheaper domestic raw meat," the experts said.

Given this trend, imported pork will account for 2% of overall production and 4% of commercial production this year, the association forecasts.