Ukrainian dairy exports fall 24% in 9M - association

MOSCOW. Oct 30 (Interfax) - Ukraine's exports of dairy products fell 23.6% to $140.2 million in the first nine months of 2023 from $183.5 million in the same period of 2022, Ukrainian media reported, citing the country's Union of Dairy Enterprises.

The industry association attributed the drop to prices.

Ukraine's dairy imports, meanwhile, rose 5.2% to $178.6 million from $169.9 million a year earlier. The country posted a trade deficit in dairy products of $38.3 million in the nine months, compared to a surplus of $13.6 million a year earlier.

"Of all types of exported products, a surplus was maintained in trade in butter, as well as milk and cream, both unconcentrated and concentrated. Exports of other dairy products - sour milk products, whey - decreased very significantly. The situation is even worse in trade in cheeses. While their exports slightly increased compared to last year, imports increased far more and the balance worsened accordingly," the association said.