April 23, 2025

Ukraine's cattle, beef exports rose in March to meet global demand for red meat

 

 

In March, Ukraine increased exports of cattle and beef due to increased demand for red meat in the world on the eve of Easter and with the start of the barbecue season, according to the Association of Milk Producers.

 

According to preliminary data from the State Statistics Service, in March 2025, Ukraine exported about 2,500 tonnes of cattle in live weight, which is 91% more than in February and 70% more than in March 2024. Cash proceeds from exported animals amounted to US$4.97 million, which is 76% more than in February 2025 and 70% more than in March last year.

 

In March, Ukraine supplied cattle only to Lebanon. In January-March 2025, Ukraine exported 5,210 tonnes of cattle in live weight (+107%) for the amount of US$10.52 million (+139%).

 

In March 2025, Ukrainian exporters supplied 21 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef to foreign markets, which is almost 20 tonnes more than in February this year. However, the natural volume of red meat exports decreased by 92% compared to March 2024. Export revenue for the delivered goods amounted to $137,000, which is $129,000 more than in February 2025. Export revenue decreased by 92% compared to March 2024.

 

In March, Ukraine supplied fresh and chilled beef mainly to Azerbaijan, Moldova, and the Marshall Islands. In January-March 2025, Ukraine shipped 43 tonnes of chilled beef to foreign markets (-86%) for the amount of US$247,000 (-87%).

 

The natural volume of frozen beef exports from Ukraine in March 2025 amounted to 1,510 tonnes, which is 14% more than in February this year and 13% more than in March last year. Cash revenue for the delivered goods amounted to almost US$5.63 million, which is 17% more than in February 2025, but 4% less than in March last year.

 

In March, Ukraine supplied frozen beef mainly to China, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan. In January-March 2025, Ukraine exported 4,240 tonnes of frozen beef (+10%) worth US$15.75 million (-6%).

 

The industry association noted that Ukraine did not import live cattle in March 2025. Imports of chilled beef increased to 15.7 tonnes (+18%), and frozen beef increased to 172.1 tonnes (+96%) compared to February 2025. Imports of chilled beef increased by 128%, while imports of frozen beef decreased by 5% compared to March 2024.

 

In January-March 2025, Ukraine reduced imports of live cattle to seven tonnes (-96%), but increased imports of chilled beef to 34 tonnes (+10%) and reduced imports of frozen beef to 365 tonnes (-41%) compared to the previous year.

 

The foreign trade balance in March 2025 was positive and amounted to US$9.3 million.

 

As reported, Ukraine increased exports of dairy products in March 2025. According to preliminary data from the State Statistics Service, in March, 12,270 tonnes of dairy products were exported for the amount of US$37.89 million.

 

Compared to February, natural exports increased by 20%, and compared to March last year, they increased by 44%. Export revenue increased by 39% compared to February and by 110% compared to March 2024. In January-March 2025, Ukraine exported 31,140 tonnes (+21%) of dairy products worth US$89.77 million (+62%).

 

- Ukrinform