European cheese flooded the Ukrainian market: consequences for domestic producers

The Ukrainian dairy market is currently experiencing a real boom in imported cheese from the European Union. In recent years, the volume of cheese imports has increased several times, which has significantly affected domestic producers. Supermarket shelves are filled with cheeses from Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and other EU countries, often at prices lower than domestic counterparts.

The statistics are impressive: last year alone, cheese imports from the EU to Ukraine reached over 30 thousand tons. The main share of imports is made up of hard and semi-hard cheeses - popular among Ukrainian consumers. The main importers remain Poland and the Netherlands, which take advantage of simplified trade conditions with Ukraine.

The reasons for such an influx of imports lie in political and economic aspects. In particular, within the framework of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, trade conditions have been significantly simplified. In addition, producers from Europe receive state subsidies, which allows them to reduce the cost of production and be competitive even in foreign markets.

This situation has become a real challenge for Ukrainian producers. Due to cheap imports, some of them are forced to reduce prices, reduce production or reorient themselves to other markets. Some small and medium-sized cheese factories simply cannot withstand competition, because they do not have access to similar state support.

Experts note that without urgent steps from the state, the situation can only worsen. It is necessary to introduce mechanisms to support domestic producers, in particular, preferential lending, subsidies and information campaigns that would popularize Ukrainian cheeses among consumers.

In the meantime, imports continue to grow, and Ukrainian consumers vote with their wallets, choosing more affordable products from abroad. But whether the country's economy will really benefit from this is an open question. In the long term, the dominance of imported cheese may lead to the destruction of part of the Ukrainian dairy business.