Chilled beef exports are falling: what are the reasons?
9 March 19:25
In February 2026, Ukraine reduced its exports of fresh or chilled beef. At the same time, supplies of frozen meat to foreign markets increased.
This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers, citing preliminary data from the State Customs Service of Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Decrease in exports of fresh beef
In February, Ukrainian exporters supplied 230.8 tons of fresh or chilled beef to foreign markets.
This is 21% less than in January.
Export revenues amounted to $1.69 million, which is 24% less than a month earlier.
In January–February 2026, Ukraine exported 523.8 tons of fresh beef worth $3.91 million.
Growth in exports of frozen products
At the same time, frozen beef shipments increased in February.
Ukraine exported 1.27 thousand tons of such products, which is
- 32% more than in January
- 4% less than in February 2025
Export revenue amounted to almost $5.8 million, which is 26% more than in the previous month.
Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has exported 2.24 thousand tons of frozen beef worth $10.42 million.
How imports have changed
The structure of imports also changed in February.
Ukraine
- increased imports of chilled beef to 13.7 tons (128% compared to January);
- reduced imports of frozen beef to 69.5 tons (-14%).
Compared to February 2025, imports of chilled meat increased by 3%, while imports of frozen meat decreased by 21%.
Positive trade balance
Despite changes in the structure of trade, Ukraine maintained a positive foreign trade balance.
In February, it amounted to $11.21 million.
Growth in exports of live cattle
Separately, there was an increase in the supply of live cattle.
In February, Ukraine exported about 1.77 thousand tons of such products:
- which is 85% more than in January
- and 36% more than in February 2025.
These figures indicate a change in the structure of livestock product exports from Ukraine, where live cattle and frozen meat shipments are playing an increasingly important role.
