Since the beginning of 2024, the import of meat products to Ukraine has increased by 15%, compared to the same period in 2023. This is evidenced by the data of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine.
The largest increase in imports is observed for beef (by 20%), pork (by 18%) and chicken (by 12%).
Experts explain this by several factors:
— Rising prices for domestically produced meat;
-Reduction of livestock and poultry in Ukraine;
— Increasing demand for meat products from the population.
The largest importers of meat products to Ukraine are: Poland, Germany, Brazil, Argentina, USA. In 2023, Ukraine imported 450 thousand tons of meat products for a total amount of 1.5 billion US dollars.
According to experts' forecasts, in 2024 the import of meat products to Ukraine may increase by another 10%.
This can lead to:
-Reduction of meat prices in Ukraine;
-Increasing competition in the domestic market of meat products;
— Increasing dependence of Ukraine on imported meat.
The Government of Ukraine is taking measures to stimulate domestic meat production. In particular, it provides:
— Allocation of subsidies for the development of animal husbandry;
-Decreasing the price of loans for farmers;
— Simplification of the procedure for obtaining permits for the construction and reconstruction of livestock complexes.
However, experts believe that to solve the problem of Ukraine's import dependence in the meat sector, more complex measures are needed, including such as: improving the genetics of livestock and poultry, introducing modern technologies in animal husbandry, and increasing investments in the development of the meat industry.
Currently, the situation with the import of meat products to Ukraine remains difficult. The increase in imports may negatively affect domestic meat production and lead to an increase in Ukraine's dependence on imported supplies. The Government of Ukraine and meat market participants should take joint measures to solve this problem.
