Ukraine’s dairy imports rise 30% as authorities target humanitarian-aid abuse
Ukraine imported 39.17 thousand tonnes of dairy products worth $182.78 million in the first half of 2026, a 30% increase by volume year on year. Authorities are tightening controls amid allegations that commercial cheese shipments are entering as humanitarian aid.
Imports accelerate in June
Ukraine imported 39.17 thousand tonnes of dairy products worth $182.78 million in January-June 2026, according to Ukrinform, citing the Association of Milk Producers and preliminary State Statistics Service data. Import volume increased by 30% from the same period of 2025. The rise accelerated in June, when arrivals reached 8.68 thousand tonnes, up 72% from May and 95% from June last year.
Cheese accounted for 60% of dairy imports. Poland remained the largest supplier, while significant volumes also came from Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia and the Czech Republic. OBOZ.UA reported that imported products’ share of Ukraine’s cheese market rose from 38% to 45% during 2025 and exceeded 50% in spring 2026. Imports of rennet cheese increased by 13%, while domestic dairy output declined by about 6%.
Humanitarian-aid channel comes under scrutiny
Ukrainian authorities are examining allegations that some commercial dairy consignments have been declared as humanitarian aid. OBOZ.UA, citing the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, reported that this classification enables importers to avoid customs duties and value-added tax. Products brought in through simplified procedures may also reach retailers without Ukrainian labeling or required state controls, including laboratory tests.
Industry associations estimate that illegal imports account for about 30% of Ukraine’s cheese market and deprive the state budget of at least 730 million hryvnias annually, according to OBOZ.UA. Measures discussed at a coordination meeting of the Ukrainian parliament’s Economic Development Committee include tighter border controls, more cargo inspections, monitoring of subsequent sales and a traceability system covering products from entry to the final recipient.
Domestic cheese makers face price pressure
Increased dairy production in the European Union has lowered cheese prices there, allowing importers to expand deliveries to Ukraine. InfAgro experts cited by OBOZ.UA said Ukrainian manufacturers have responded with large promotional discounts but often remain unable to match cheaper imports because of high production costs. Some popular Ukrainian cheeses increased in price by almost 70 hryvnias per kilogram over the latest month. Some plants have consequently reduced hard and semi-hard cheese production, while output of soft and brined varieties has remained more stable.
The pressure from imports coincides with weaker Ukrainian dairy exports. Ukraine exported 63.78 thousand tonnes worth $180.87 million in the first half, down 10% by volume and 20% by value. June exports totaled 11.53 thousand tonnes worth $35.06 million, falling 23% in volume and 31% in revenue from May. The June dairy trade balance was negative at $2.37 million. Ice cream represented 28% of first-half export volume, condensed milk and cream 26%, cheese 14%, butter 10% and casein 8%. The combination of rising imports, declining export earnings and disputed humanitarian shipments is increasing pressure on processors and placing enforcement at the center of competition in the Ukrainian cheese market.
