In 2025, Ukraine exported 118 thousand tons of dairy products, which is nearly twice the volume of imports of similar products. The revenue from dairy product exports reached $296.81 million, which is 16% more than in 2023 and 20% higher than the figure for 2021. The main share of exports consisted of powdered and condensed milk (25%) and cheese (18%).
This is reported by Business • Media
Imports and Market Structure
In 2025, dairy product imports to Ukraine amounted to 60,270 tons worth $290.34 million. The majority of imports—78%—were cheese. Thus, dairy product exports nearly doubled the volume of imports, indicating the strengthening of the Ukrainian dairy sector’s position in the international market even amid the war.
Cattle Population and Industry Development
Despite ongoing hostilities, there has been an increase in the cattle population in Ukraine’s industrial sector: it grew by 1% over the year. The top five regions by the number of industrial cattle include Poltava (52,700 heads), Cherkasy (44,000 heads), Chernihiv (35,400 heads), Kyiv (34,000 heads), and Vinnytsia (31,500 heads). The most significant growth in the industrial cattle herd was recorded in Mykolaiv (+14%) and Ternopil (+10%) regions.
More than 90% of raw milk is processed from industrial farms. As of June 2025, 125 dairy farms are actively being built or modernized in Ukraine, contributing to the further development of the industry.
“Despite the war, the cattle population in the industrial sector has increased by 1% over the year. The top five leading regions by the number of industrial cattle, which together account for 51% of the total industrial cattle population in Ukraine, include Poltava – 52,700 heads, Cherkasy – 44,000, Chernihiv – 35,400, Kyiv – 34,000, and Vinnytsia – 31,500. The largest growth in the industrial cattle population was recorded in Mykolaiv (+14%) and Ternopil (+10%) regions.”