Cheese imports to Ukraine decline amid attack risks and rising prices in Europe

Ukrainian cheese producers continue to face logistics disruptions caused by Russian attacks, although the industry is gradually adapting to the new operating conditions.

Cheese sales have almost recovered to the previous month’s level, while retailers and producers have developed working arrangements to manage logistics disruptions.

Cheese imports are declining. European suppliers are concerned about additional risks related to attacks, while rising prices in Europe have made shipments to Ukraine less attractive. At the same time, substantial volumes of previously imported cheese remain on the Ukrainian market, limiting domestic producers’ ability to raise prices.

Imports of hard and semi-hard cheeses declined in August compared with July, although volumes remained well above year-earlier levels. Imports of white cheeses also remained significantly higher than a year ago. Due to accumulated stocks, Ukrainian producers may need more time before the imported product already on the market is absorbed.

Meanwhile, conditions in the domestic market are gradually becoming more favorable for Ukrainian producers. Base prices for traditional cheeses sold to distributors in September mostly remain within UAH 310–360/kg, while promotional offers on retail shelves are becoming less frequent. This may indicate a gradual strengthening of domestic producers’ market position and could create conditions for price revisions after a prolonged period of stability.

Ukrainian cheese exports also remain limited. In August, exports of semi-hard cheese fell by about one-third from the same period last year. However, leading exporters expect foreign sales to recover in the near term.

Tags: Ukraine, EU, prices, imports, Cheese, war