Ukrainian beef exports rise amid declining global production

Ukraine continues to increase beef exports amid high global prices and tightening supplies on the international market. According to preliminary data from the State Customs Service, Ukrainian exporters shipped 515 tons of fresh and chilled beef abroad in September 2026, up 9% from August and almost five times the volume recorded in September last year. Export revenue reached $4.15 mln, increasing by 5% month-on-month and 568% year-on-year. This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers.

In January–September 2026, Ukraine exported 3.55 thsd tons of fresh and chilled beef worth $28.52 mln. Compared with the same period last year, export volumes increased almost 15-fold, while foreign exchange earnings rose nearly 20-fold. In September, the main destinations for these products were Türkiye, Georgia, Moldova and the Marshall Islands. The growth in overseas sales indicates an expanding presence of Ukrainian beef in international markets.

Frozen beef exports also showed positive dynamics. In September, Ukraine shipped 1.64 thsd tons of frozen beef abroad, up 40.2% year-on-year, although volumes declined by 10% compared with August. During the first nine months of the year, frozen beef exports totaled 14.39 thsd tons (+4%), valued at $65.35 mln (+15%). In addition, Ukraine exported 14.65 thsd tons of live cattle by weight in January–September, up 10.3% from a year earlier. Revenue from these shipments increased by 21% to $35.25 mln.

Favorable conditions for Ukrainian exporters are developing against a backdrop of tightening global beef supplies. Brazil, the United States and China, which together account for more than half of global production, are experiencing declining cattle inventories. In Brazil, farmers are retaining more animals to rebuild their herds, temporarily restricting slaughter, while US production is constrained by the effects of prolonged droughts and high costs. In China, lower domestic supplies and limited import availability are supporting high beef prices. As rebuilding cattle herds takes several years, a rapid increase in global production is not expected in the near term.

Despite strong export activity, Ukraine’s beef imports remain relatively small. In September, the country imported no live cattle, while purchases of chilled beef totaled 20 tons and frozen beef imports reached 186 tons. Over the first nine months, frozen beef imports declined by 12% to 940 tons, while chilled beef imports increased by 12% to 119 tons. Ukraine recorded a positive foreign trade balance in cattle and beef of $12.95 mln in September. Persistently high global prices and limited supplies create additional opportunities for Ukrainian producers to expand exports and strengthen their positions in international markets.

Tags: Ukraine, export, Beef cattle