Preliminary customs statistics show that imports of chilled and frozen pork reached almost 3.1 thousand tonnes in July — 75% more than the previous month and the highest monthly volume since 2022. “The growing interest of meat market operators in imported raw materials was driven by the continued rise in domestic pork prices alongside falling international prices. In July, seasonal supply contraction coincided with an overall decline in domestic pork production. As a result, the average price for live slaughter pigs reached UAH 94.68/kg (including VAT), or USD 2.27 per kg — 2% higher than in June. Meanwhile, early July heatwaves slightly dampened consumer demand in the EU market, leading to lower pork prices in many EU countries. This also impacted import prices, which in July were 8% lower than the previous month: the customs value of imported pork averaged USD 2.48/kg, down from USD 2.68/kg in June,” APBU analysts commented.
Although such import volumes currently have little direct impact on overall market prices, the growing cost of domestic pork compared to cheaper imported raw material is encouraging some meat processors and retail chains to partially shift toward more affordable supply options, APBU reports. EU countries (Denmark, Poland, France, Spain, etc.) remain the main pork suppliers to Ukraine, but July also saw the return — in small quantities — of Canadian pork, which had not been imported since November last year.
Total pork imports to Ukraine in the first seven months of 2025 amounted to 10.27 thousand tonnes worth USD 25.8 million, already surpassing last year’s figure.
Pork exports in July reached 246 tonnes, generating USD 808 thousand in revenue. Cumulative exports for the period totalled nearly 1.8 thousand tonnes worth USD 5.3 million — up 10% in volume and 32% in value compared to the same period last year. Key export destinations remain Hong Kong, the UAE, Bahrain, and Malaysia.
More in-depth insights into pork trade trends, their impact on the domestic market, and forecasts for pricing and trade flows will be presented by AUPB’s Head of Analytics, Oleksandra Bondarska, at the International Congress “Profitable Pig Production” on September 11. Bondarska will share updated data, deeper analysis, and possible scenarios for market development amid shifting consumer preferences and changes in global trade conditions.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders (AUPB) is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pork producers. Its main objectives are to represent and protect the rights and interests of its members, promote the development and implementation of new technologies for efficient pork production, expand market opportunities, and safeguard the domestic market.