In the first quarter of 2025, Ukraine shows a significant increase in the volume of food imports. During the period from July 2024 to March 2025, the country imported 83,000 tons of food potatoes, which was the highest figure in the last four seasons. It is reported AgroTimes with reference to EastFruit.
According to EastFruit project analyst Yevhen Kuzin, Ukraine imported more potatoes only in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 marketing years. The main suppliers of potatoes became the countries of the European Union and Egypt — with the old and new harvest, respectively. During the season, price instability was recorded: after a short period of stable selling prices for potatoes, the price increased, but since the end of March, a gradual decrease in prices has been observed.
At the same time, other components of the so-called “borscht set” became more expensive, in particular, beets, carrots, cabbage, as well as greenhouse vegetables – cucumbers and tomatoes of Ukrainian production. According to experts, such dynamics emphasize the critical role of logistics in the agricultural industry. Problems with the delivery of equipment, in particular combines, directly affect the timing of harvesting and the formation of prices for products.
Against the background of high import indicators in the segment of vegetables, the market of dairy products also became active. In January-March 2025, the import of cheese to Ukraine amounted to 10 thousand tons, which is 23.5% more compared to the same period of the previous year. The total value of imported cheeses reached 60.7 million US dollars. The main exporting countries are: Poland (45.2% of the total volume), the Netherlands (8.7%) and Germany (8.4%).
At the same time, Ukrainian export of cheeses is also growing. In the first quarter of the current year, 3,200 tons of products worth 14.7 million dollars were exported from Ukraine, which in monetary terms is 30.1% more than in the same period of 2024. The main buyers are Moldova, Kazakhstan and Germany.
In connection with the growth of food imports, the government restored state control in this area. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 345, which provides for the renewal of a full-fledged system of state monitoring of imported food products, fodder and by-products of animal origin.
This document aims to:
– reduction of risks to public health;
– raising the quality standards of products entering the Ukrainian market;
– ensuring equal competitive conditions for internal and external suppliers;
– protection of consumers from potentially dangerous food products.
Thus, Ukraine’s import activity at the beginning of 2025 not only reflects changes in the food balance, but also stimulates new approaches to regulating and controlling the quality of food products in open market conditions.
