A gradual increase in sugar prices is observed in Ukraine, and these changes do not go unnoticed by consumers and analysts. According to the latest data, the average selling price of sugar from factories varies from 24.60 to 25.30 UAH per kilogram, with forecasts of further growth. The reason for this trend is several factors, among which the opening of the European Union market and the growth of domestic demand for products play an important role.

Analysts of the PUSK agricultural cooperative, which is part of the VAR, note that these factors have a complex impact on the sugar market. One of the main factors is the growth of domestic demand. According to experts, Ukrainians need more and more sugar, and at the same time, producers have new opportunities due to the expansion of exports to the EU market, which contributes to an increase in demand for Ukrainian products.

In addition, the EU market has opened up to Ukrainian producers, which has allowed factories to actively buy up quotas for supplying sugar to the European market. This allows Ukrainian companies to increase export volumes, in particular to countries such as Turkey, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Indonesia and Israel, where demand for sugar also remains consistently high. Increased interest from Europe, in turn, only increases the pressure on pricing.

Traditionally, prices are also affected by the seasonal factor. From the beginning of the year to mid-summer, Ukraine has observed a periodic increase in sugar quotations, which is a common practice for agricultural markets. As experts expect, conditional prices may reach the level of 27–28 UAH per kilogram including VAT. This creates some tension in the market, since such price fluctuations affect the availability of the product for end consumers.

We must not forget about the importance of export markets for Ukrainian producers. Expanding supplies to Europe and other regions necessitates a price increase, since larger volumes of products are directed to external markets, which also limits the supply for domestic consumption. As a result, even given the high demand within the country, producers are trying to find a balance between the domestic and foreign markets.

Thus, the factors determining the increase in prices for Ukrainian sugar include not only the increase in demand on the domestic market, but also important changes on the foreign market, in particular in Europe. Combined with seasonal fluctuations, this creates conditions for a further increase in the cost of sugar. Among the nearest prospects is the likely achievement of a price of 27–28 UAH per kilogram, which will further affect the market.