Ukrainian pea market risks facing product shortage due to growing demand

The domestic pea market is currently experiencing a decline in prices – before the start of the new season, quotes are dropping within a few percent. At the same time, more and more traders are switching their attention to this crop for the first time. As a result, the demand for new crop peas may increase sharply in mid-summer, and with it the price. This is reported by the analytical department of the PUSK agricultural cooperative, created within the VAR.

“We are currently observing a slight decrease in the cost of peas before the start of the season. Theoretically, prices may still drop to 13,500–14,000 UAH/t. But at the same time, many traders who have not previously worked with peas are beginning to actively participate in purchases. Niche crops usually give a good margin, especially on export. This motivates the market,” analysts note.

In 2025, the area sown under peas increased. If last year Ukrainian farmers sowed 212 thousand. ha, then this year – more than 250 thousand ha. However, even these volumes remain relatively small compared to other crops. At the same time, the opening of the Chinese market remains an important factor: demand from the PRC can quickly absorb the entire additional production volume.

“We have a certain increase in sown areas, but it is not millions of hectares. China has opened its market, and a significant part of the peas will probably go there. That is, an additional 40 thousand ha of sown areas of peas is not such a large resource. In such a situation, a deficit is quite possible – there will be more demand than supply,” – believe the PUSK.

After a short-term decline, pea prices may stabilize, and in mid-July-August – go up. A similar situation already occurred last year, when the price, instead of the expected decrease, on the contrary, began to grow. “The pea market may again see levels of 15,000–16,000 UAH/t. “Everything will depend on logistics, weather conditions, and the pace of Chinese imports,” experts summarize.

Tags: China, prices, pea, Ukraine