Ukraine expected to increase cheese imports by 15%-20% in 2024 - analysts

MOSCOW. Jan 17 (Interfax) - Ukraine's cheese imports grew by 29% year-on-year in December 2023 and could increase by another 15%-20% this year, Ukrainian media reported, citing industry research agency Infagro.

The growth of imports will prevent domestic cheese makers from increasing production like last year, the agency's analysts said.

The biggest suppliers of rennet cheeses in December, as usual, were Poland, the Netherlands and Germany, which accounted for respectively 38%, 17% and 16% of imports. France and Italy accounted for 8% and 7%, respectively.

In 2023 overall, imports of rennet cheeses did not increase from the previous year.

Cheese exports, however, remained substantial, although they fell 17% from a strong 2022, the agency said. The biggest markets for Ukrainian cheese (including cheese products) in December were Moldova and Kazakhstan, which each accounted for 42% of exports; Latvia and Libya also had substantial shares of 7% and 2%, respectively.