Imports of pork to Ukraine increased almost eightfold and reached a record for the last three years

In the first eight months of 2025, Ukraine imported 14,900 tons of fresh and frozen pork, which is almost eight times more than in the same period in 2024. This is the highest figure for the last three years. About reported "Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB).

Last month, Ukraine imported 4,600 tons of meat, up 48% from July.

The largest volumes of supplies were observed in July and August – a total of 7,700 tons. In the first two weeks of September alone, another 3,200 tons were imported.

According to forecasts, by the end of the year, purchases may exceed 25,000 tons, with the bulk of deliveries coming in the second half of the year.

The main suppliers of pork to Ukraine are Denmark, Poland and the Netherlands.

The reason for the increased imports was a decline in the number of pigs to 4.5 million in winter, mainly in private households. This led to a shortage of meat on the domestic market and higher prices.

In September, purchase prices for live weight pigs amounted to 98-100 UAH/kg, which is 34% more than at the beginning of the year and 60% more than in September 2024.

At the same time, pig prices in the EU have fallen, making imports more profitable for Ukraine.

According to the State Statistics Service, as of September 1, there were 4.8 million pigs in Ukraine, down 5% from last year but up 7% from January.

• Ukraine imported about 323 tons of pork in January 2025, which is twice as much as the total imports for the entire fourth quarter of last year, as well as for January 2024.