Ukraine Imported $141 Million Worth of Cheese: Why Producers Are Sounding the Alarm
25 July 03:54
In the first half of 2026, Ukraine significantly increased its cheese imports. From January through June, the country imported 23,400 metric tons of cheese products worth $141.3 million, which is more than 20% higher than the figures for the same period last year.
This was reported by the Association of Milk Producers (AVM), according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Ukraine Imported a Record Amount of Cheese
According to the AMM, the volume of cheese imported over the six-month period, when converted to raw milk, corresponds to nearly 250,000 metric tons of raw milk.
Analysts note that this places a significant additional burden on the domestic milk market and Ukrainian producers.
According to estimates by the Ukrainian Dairy Industry Association, the simultaneous decline in dairy exports and increase in cheese imports have created additional pressure on the domestic market equivalent to 133,000 metric tons of raw milk.
The Association of Milk Producers emphasizes that cheese imports have grown by nearly 50% over the past three years.
As a result:
- purchase prices for milk have fallen;
- Ukrainian farmers’ incomes have declined;
- producers’ losses have increased;
- competition in the domestic market has intensified.
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Producers Call for Government Support
The ABM emphasizes that Ukrainian dairy processing companies are forced to compete with European producers who have been receiving government support in their own countries for decades.
Thanks to such programs, EU companies have been able to:
- modernize production;
- increase productivity;
- reduce production costs;
- increase their export potential.
According to industry representatives, Ukrainian producers find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
What are the risks for the Ukrainian dairy industry?
Experts warn that without investment in the processing industry and government support, the situation could worsen.
Among the main risks are:
- a decline in the number of dairy farms;
- a decline in the production of Ukrainian-made cheeses;
- the loss of high-value-added products;
- increased dependence on imported products.
Industry representatives emphasize that developing domestic processing capabilities is of strategic importance for the country’s food security.
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