August 11, 2009

Ukraine imported more than 212,000 tonnes of red meat during the first half of 2009, which is less than forecasted figures, according to the Minister of Economy Bohdan Danilishin.

 

There must be a certain product balance, so replacements must be sought to meet domestic demand if Ukraine's manufacturers are unable to produce a certain amount of meat, said the minister.

 

He added that livestock numbers have continued to decline despite an increase of public subsidy to the domestic livestock industry.

 

Ukraine imported 160,000 tonnes of meat and meat products in the first half of 2008, including 143,000 tonnes in the second quarter, which is mostly connected with the country's entry into the WTO. 

 

In general, on the basis of last year, imports reached 530 tonnes.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture of Ukraine expected that this year the import of meat would go down to 250,000-280,000 tonnes, while the Ministry of Economy predicted reduction of up to 300 tonnes.