Ukraine cuts dairy product export in monetary equivalent by 30% in 2023

MOSCOW. Jan 11 (Interfax) - Ukraine reduced export of dairy products in monetary equivalent nearly by 30% in 2023 in comparison with 2022 and increased their import by more than 15%, Ukrainian media outlets said with a reference to information posted by the Dairy Enterprises Union of Ukraine on social networks.

"The negative balance of export and import of dairy products reached $77.2 million in 2023, whereas this parameter was positive, $28.2 million, in the previous year. Therefore, production of dairy goods was 'washing away' funds from Ukraine in the past year," the union said.

Import of nearly all categories of dairy products increased in 2023, it said. The gap between export and import (balance) fluctuated between -289 tonnes in September and -615 tonnes in March for fermented dairy products and between -1,398 tonnes in January and -2,902 tonnes in December for cottage cheese.

Import of butter exceeded its export for the first time in a year in October 2023 and showed the most negative balance for this trade item in November.

In addition, the amount of export of butter decreased by 45% in 2023, while it has not significantly changed in relation to other kinds of dairy products. Overall, export revenues from sales of this product decreased 1.4 times compared to 2022 due to the unfavorable pricing environment in 2023.

"Amount of import of butter and milk whey increased considerably in 2023, 2.4 and 1.4 times, respectively. Imports of cheeses in physical terms remained at the same level, but grew by 10% in value. In total, it resulted in an increase of import by over 1.15 times compared to the previous year, 2022," the union said.