Milk prices in Ukraine have stabilized, but producers are concerned about the growth of imports

The Ukrainian milk market has seen a relative stabilization of purchase prices for dairy raw materials, although production volumes are currently outpacing the pace of sales of finished products. This was reported by the press service of the Association of Milk Producers (AVM).

According to AVM analysts, as of the end of April, the average purchase price of extra-grade milk is UAH 16.15 per kilogram excluding VAT. This is 20 kopecks less than a month ago. At the same time, in some farms, prices for extra-grade milk vary from UAH 15.50 to UAH 16.50 per kilogram excluding VAT.

Premium milk costs an average of UAH 15.95 per kilogram excluding VAT, which is also 20 kopecks less than in the previous month. The price range for this grade of milk ranges from UAH 15.30 to UAH 16.20 per kilogram excluding VAT.

As for first-grade milk, its average cost was UAH 15.60 per kilogram excluding VAT, down 5 kopecks compared to the second half of last month. Thus, the weighted average price of the three main grades of milk is UAH 16.00 per kilogram excluding VAT, which is 15 kopecks less compared to the previous period.

However, despite the stability of prices, the industry faces other challenges. According to the Milk Producers Association, Ukraine currently has a surplus of raw milk. Of particular concern is the growth in imports of dairy products, especially cheeses, whose share in the Ukrainian market already reaches about 50%.

AVM warns that the sharp increase in imports through retail chains poses serious threats to domestic cheese producers, putting them on the brink of survival. If this trend deepens, the industry may face not only the bankruptcy of some enterprises, but also a reduction in the number of dairy cattle in Ukraine.