The global beef shortage is creating new opportunities for Ukrainian exporters and creating a favorable environment on international markets. Demand for meat and livestock is growing worldwide, which is driving up prices and energizing suppliers. Ukraine has taken advantage of this trend: in October 2025, live cattle exports almost doubled, reaching 1,650 tons. This is 197% more than in September. This was reported by Georgy Kukhaleyshvili, an analyst at the Milk Producers Association.

Financial indicators have also improved significantly: revenue from cattle exports in October increased to $5.39 million — almost seven times more than a month earlier, and 6% more than in October 2024. In total, in January-October 2025, Ukraine exported 14.94 thousand tons of live cattle (+16%) for the amount of $ 34.61 million (+42%). The main buyers remain Lebanon (84%), Kazakhstan (9%) and Libya (6.4%).

Sales of fresh and chilled beef also grew actively. In October, exports of this segment amounted to 251 tons, which is 141% more than in September and an impressive 417 times more than in October 2024. Export revenue amounted to $ 1.88 million, which is 203% higher than the previous month. The largest buyers of Ukrainian chilled products are Turkey (44%), Georgia (25%), Jordan (16%), Azerbaijan (10%) and Moldova (5%).

Frozen beef also shows positive dynamics. In October 2025, its exports reached 1.53 thousand tons (+30% compared to September), and foreign exchange earnings were $7.21 million (+32%). Over 10 months, the country exported 15.33 thousand tons (+4%) of frozen beef worth $64 million (+8%). The largest consumers are Azerbaijan (33%), China (28%), Uzbekistan (16%), Kazakhstan (8%) and Moldova (6%).

There is a significant deficit in red meat production in the world. According to the AHDB forecast, this imbalance will remain in the medium term. The main factors are the decline in domestic production in the USA and China, as well as the potential slowdown in the growth of the industry in Brazil and Australia in 2026–2027. In such conditions, Ukrainian beef becomes a competitive alternative that can fill gaps in the market.

Despite the increase in exports, Ukraine also imported some beef in October: 42 tons of live cattle, 14 tons of chilled and 90 tons of frozen products. At the same time, the trade balance remained confidently positive and reached $12.86 million at the end of the month.

Overall, the situation on the world market opens up additional opportunities for Ukrainian producers to grow, strengthen their positions in the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and diversify export destinations.