The Ukrainian pig industry shows positive trends, gradually recovering and reaching new heights. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, as of August 1, the number of pigs in the country reached 5.2 million heads, which is 1.5% more than in the same period last year.

Maksym Hopka, an analyst of the Ukrainian Agricultural Business Club (UKAB), notes that the main factors contributing to growth are increased production margins, stable profitability and improved logistics. These factors have a positive effect on the strengthening of Ukrainian pig farming, which is reflected in the growth of exports and the reduction of pork imports.

According to data from Hopka, currently 65% ​​of pigs in Ukraine are kept at enterprises where there are 3.4 million heads, which is 5.2% more compared to last year. At the same time, there is a 5% decrease in livestock in households, where 1.8 million heads are currently being raised.

In the first seven months of 2024, 398.7 thousand tons of pork were sold for slaughter, which is 2.6% more than in the same period of 2023. This indicates stable demand in the domestic market and the growth of production capabilities.

The significant increase in pork exports, which began in January 2024 and reached its peak in June, when 403 tons of products were exported, deserves special attention. The main importers of Ukrainian pork were the United Arab Emirates (71% of exports), as well as Hong Kong and Bahrain.

For comparison, if in 2022 the average export volume was 5-50 tons, in 2023 it increased to 50-80 tons, then in 2024 these indicators exceeded 100 tons. Although it is still far from the pre-war export level of 600-800 tons, the positive dynamics indicate the gradual recovery of the industry and the stabilization of logistics.

Thus, the pig industry of Ukraine is not only recovering after the upheavals, but also confidently moving towards new achievements, which positively affects both the domestic market and the country's export potential.