Sheep and goat meat market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for fresh, chilled, or frozen sheep and goat meat in Ukraine declined from 28.5 thousand tons to 23.6 thousand tons, with notable yearly swings. The period opened with the Ministry of Economy introducing European meat labeling practices for sheep and goat meat under EU Regulation No. 1337/2013, while the Ministry of Agrarian Policy launched a national animal register for sheep and goats—measures that tightened origin tracking and quality controls.

A steep contraction to 22.7 thousand tons in 2020 occurred alongside a 23% surge in pork production and demand, coupled with MHP’s aggressive push into Middle Eastern and African markets for chicken exports. These movements likely drew resources and consumer attention away from sheep and goat meat. The market dipped again to 21.6 thousand tons in 2022, as continued growth in chicken exports and a multi‑year drop in beef production reduced overall domestic fresh meat supply.

The market recovered to 23.6 thousand tons in 2023 without specific highlighted events, though the earlier labeling and registration frameworks provided a backdrop of standardized product information.

Production sheep and goat meat Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

Ukraine's sheep and goat meat production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 23 000 tons of sheep and goat meat, representing a 17.3% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 28 600 tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred that same year at 5.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Sheep and goat meat production in Ukraine has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output value reached 76 266 thousand US dollars, marking a 2.2% contraction from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value declined by 12.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 95 633 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 18.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 10.1%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat to Ukraine

Exports in kind, t

The market demonstrated notable volatility during the observed period. Exports fluctuated significantly, with a 2.3-fold difference between the 2020 peak and the 2018 low. In 2020, Ukraine exported 284.4 tons of sheep and goat meat, showing a substantial 17.2% year-on-year increase. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 121.5 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 20.4%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 99.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine's sheep and goat meat exports were primarily concentrated in two markets: Oman and Iraq accounted for the majority of export volumes, while other destinations played relatively minor individual roles.

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, K $ US

Ukraine's sheep and goat meat export value has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 942.9 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic 38.5% gain compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 92.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 406.2 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 17.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 67.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Ukraine's sheep and goat meat exports in value terms were Oman (48.1% of total export value), Iraq (28.3%), and Kuwait (10.8%). Together, these three markets accounted for 87.2% of all 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 sheep and goat meat in Ukraine

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Ukraine imported 20.8 tons of sheep and goat meat, representing a 65.1% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 51.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 14.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 12.6 tons, which also saw the most significant decline at 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand remained the dominant source for Ukraine's sheep and goat meat imports, accounting for 96.7% of total import volume. The remaining imports were distributed across numerous other markets.

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, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Import values peaked in 2020 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a 2.7-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Ukraine's sheep and goat meat imports amounted to 376.9 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 172.5% year-on-year increase. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 138.3 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline at 32.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine's sheep and goat meat imports in value terms were overwhelmingly dominated by two partners: New Zealand and Australia together accounted for 99.7% 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