In November 2024, Ukraine recorded a slowdown in the pace of dairy exports. Export volumes increased by only 1% compared to October 2024, however, compared to November 2023, this indicator increased by 31%. This situation is explained by several factors, including a shortage of raw milk, increased production costs due to a decrease in world prices for dairy products and a seasonal decline in demand in the market before the holidays. This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers (AVM).

According to preliminary data from the State Statistics Service, in November 2024, Ukraine exported 37.4 thousand tons of dairy products for a total amount of $21.94 million. During January-November of this year, exports amounted to 350.6 thousand tons for a total amount of $274.8 million. Compared to last year, export volumes in physical terms increased by 9%, and monetary proceeds by 15%.

The main export categories of dairy products in November were cheeses (28% of the total export value), powdered and condensed milk (26%), butter (21%) and casein (12%). At the same time, high prices and inflation in Ukraine negatively affect the consumption of domestic dairy products, the AVM notes.

Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has seen an increase in supplies of butter (+17%), cheeses (+9%) and ice cream (+23%) in monetary terms. At the same time, other dairy products saw a decline in shipments. For example, exports of whole milk decreased by 52%, fermented milk products by 73%, butter by 33%, ice cream by 169%, and casein by 14%.

Compared to November 2023, export revenues for dried and condensed milk increased by 71%, fermented milk products by 27%, butter by 90%, cheese by 86%, and ice cream by 38%. At the same time, export revenues for whole milk (-87%), whey (-96%), and casein (-21%) decreased.

Since the beginning of 2024, Ukraine has increased export revenue for all major commodity items, including powdered and condensed milk (+6%), whole milk (+8%), fermented milk products (+28%), whey (+21%), butter (+14%), cheeses (+27%), ice cream (+21%) and casein (+7%).

Against the background of this dynamics, imports of dairy products to Ukraine in January-November 2024 amounted to 382.4 thousand tons worth $251.83 million. In physical volumes, imports decreased by 8%, but in monetary terms they increased by 12%. Supplies of butter (+17%), cheeses (+9%) and ice cream (+23%) mainly increased, while other items saw a decrease.

Thus, despite the slowdown in export rates, the Ukrainian dairy market is demonstrating positive indicators compared to last year, maintaining stability in key markets and increasing revenue from some products.