Cheese and curd market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

The Ukrainian cheese and curd market volume fluctuated between 2018 and 2021, starting at 314.7 thousand tons, dipping to 289.2 thousand tons in 2019, and then recovering to reach 317.8 thousand tons by 2021. This period was marked by a continuing decline in the country's raw milk production, which pressured the supply base for cheese manufacturing.

A severe contraction occurred in 2022, with the market volume falling sharply to 217.9 thousand tons. Russia's full-scale invasion blocked seaports and disrupted supply chains, while the closure of numerous restaurants and retail outlets significantly impacted domestic sales channels. In response, the European Union suspended import duties and quotas for Ukrainian dairy products from June 2022, enabling producers to redirect some export flows to European markets.

In 2023, the market volume saw a further slight decrease to 210.8 thousand tons, stabilizing at a lower level amid the ongoing war. During this time, shifts in consumer preferences became more pronounced, with growing interest in premium, ethnic, and buffalo milk cheeses. Export recovery to the EU continued, supported by the trade facilitation measures implemented the previous year.

Production cheese and curd Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine ranked 26th globally in cheese and curd production.

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

Ukraine's cheese and curd production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 255.3 thousand tons, marking a moderate decrease of 6.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of production Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Ukraine's cheese and curd production value also declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 978 million US dollars, representing a contraction of 3.9% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 31.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.9%.

Annual dynamics of production Ukraine in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cheese and curd to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

Ukraine's cheese and curd export volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 6 379 tons, showing a solid decrease of 11.0% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 29.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Egypt were the top contributors to Ukraine's cheese and curd exports in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 38.6% of exports, Moldova for 32.9%, and Egypt for 9.0%, together making up 80.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Ukraine's cheese and curd export value declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 24.4 million US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 8.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 24.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Egypt stood out as the main markets for Ukraine's cheese and curd exports in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 45.5% of export value, Moldova 28.2%, and Egypt 8.9%, collectively accounting for 82.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports cheese and curd in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

Ukraine's cheese and curd import volume increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 46 742 tons, indicating a significant increase of 97.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 367.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 67.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports in Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Poland, Germany, and France played the leading roles in Ukraine's cheese and curd imports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 43.8% of imports, Germany for 22.4%, and France for 10.3%, together taking 76.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports in Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Ukraine's cheese and curd import value increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports came to 210.3 million US dollars, up by 93.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 346.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 64.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports in Ukraine in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017-2020, Poland, Germany, and France were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of Ukraine's cheese and curd imports in value terms. Poland represented 38.8% of import value, Germany 21.0%, and France 12.1%, with a combined share of 71.8% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports in Ukraine in value, 2017-2020