Poland Takes Nearly 25% of Ukraine’s June Skimmed Milk Powder Exports
Poland became the largest buyer of Ukrainian skimmed milk powder in June 2026, taking almost 25% of Ukraine’s exports. First-half shipments remained below the previous year’s level, while the European Union regained its position as Ukraine’s main market.
Poland leads June purchases
Poland was the largest buyer of Ukrainian skimmed milk powder in June 2026, purchasing almost 25% of the volume exported by Ukraine during the month, according to farmer.pl, citing dairy market consultancy Infagro. Bulgaria and Lithuania were also among the three largest importers.
The concentration of shipments in these three European Union markets highlights the renewed importance of nearby buyers for Ukrainian dairy processors. Poland alone absorbed nearly one quarter of June exports, although the available data do not specify the tonnage or value of the transactions.
EU returns as the main destination
Data for the first half of 2026 show that the European Union has again become the principal market for Ukrainian skimmed milk powder. Ukrainian suppliers almost exhausted the applicable duty-free quota despite the introduction of an import licensing mechanism, Infagro reported.
European market conditions also became more supportive for Ukrainian exporters. Following a decline in European milk prices in June, prices began to recover. Infagro said this allowed Ukrainian suppliers to return to their usual price levels. Higher prices in Europe remain a key factor supporting Ukrainian dairy exports, making EU sales more attractive for processors seeking outlets for available production.
The findings matter for buyers in Poland, Bulgaria and Lithuania because the combination of recovering European prices, limited duty-free access and import licensing may shape the timing and commercial terms of future purchases. For Ukrainian suppliers, proximity to the EU provides an important sales channel when domestic demand cannot absorb production.
Exports fall despite production growth
Ukraine’s skimmed milk powder exports in the first half of 2026 were lower than in the corresponding period of 2025. Ukrainian industry experts attributed the decline in export volumes to rising production combined with weaker domestic demand caused by high production costs. As a result, some of the milk powder being manufactured may be accumulating in company warehouses.
This combination creates a mixed market picture. Ukraine has more product available, but its overall foreign shipments have not matched the previous year’s level. Recovering European prices offer exporters some relief, while the near exhaustion of the duty-free quota and the licensing system may constrain further access to the EU market. Poland’s share in June therefore signals strong demand from one neighboring buyer, but it does not reverse the broader first-half export decline. Producers and traders will be watching whether EU prices remain high enough to move stored product and whether future sales can continue under the prevailing trade arrangements.
