Export of Dairy Products from Ukraine in December 2025: Dynamics, Reasons for Decline, and Structure
In December 2025, the export of dairy products from Ukraine experienced a slight decline due to seasonal decreases in demand in global markets, falling global prices, and the accumulation of excess stocks. Over the month, 10.38 thousand tons of dairy products were delivered to foreign markets, amounting to 25.92 million dollars. Compared to November, the physical volume of exports decreased by 0.3%, while revenue in foreign currency dropped by 6%. However, on a year-on-year basis, exports increased: physical volumes rose by 44%, and revenues grew by 51%.
This is reported by AgroReview
Year-End Summary: Key Indicators of Dairy Product Exports
From January to December 2025, Ukraine exported 131.91 thousand tons of dairy products, which is 12% more than in 2024. Revenue from exports during this period amounted to 401.36 million dollars, exceeding last year’s figures by 35%. In the structure of December exports, the largest shares were occupied by condensed milk and cream (36%), cheeses (22%), and butter (21%).
Detailed Analysis of Export Dynamics by Categories
In December, the physical volumes of exports for most dairy products increased. In particular, the export of whole milk and cream reached 2.58 thousand tons (+13% compared to November), condensed milk and cream — 3.63 thousand tons (+5%), fermented dairy products — 575 tons (+14%), butter — 836 tons (+13%), and ice cream — 336 tons (+6%). At the same time, the volumes of whey (1 thousand tons, -22%) and cheese (1.24 thousand tons, -3%) exports decreased. Year-on-year, the most significant increases were seen in the export of condensed milk and cream (+90%), butter (+91%), fermented dairy products (+50%), and cheese (+45%).
Revenue from the export of most dairy products also increased in December. Specifically, income from whole milk and cream reached 2.09 million dollars (+11%), from condensed milk and cream — 9.23 million dollars (+5%), from fermented dairy products — 984 thousand dollars (+32%), from ice cream — 1.29 million dollars (+10%), and from butter — 5.41 million dollars (+7%). Meanwhile, profits from whey exports decreased to 1.11 million dollars (-23%), and from cheese — to 5.8 million dollars (-5%). Compared to December 2024, the largest increases in revenue were from the export of condensed milk and cream (+68%), fermented dairy products (+78%), and butter (+60%), while revenue from whey decreased by 5%.
The surplus of dairy products in Europe, caused by increased milk yields in 2025, led to a decrease in global prices and a reduction in exports from Ukraine at the end of the year. Additionally, supplies to the EU in January were almost completely halted due to new licensing rules within quotas.
“The foreign trade balance in December was negative, amounting to -11.36 million dollars, likely due to the influx of cheap condensed milk and cheese into Ukraine and the decrease in dairy product exports.”
At the same time, Ukraine continues to increase imports of dairy products from the European Union, primarily cheeses and butter. By the end of the year, signs of recovery in global demand began to emerge, and price stabilization in global markets is expected in March 2026.
