Ukraine’s poultry industry has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025, nearly doubling its egg exports in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2024. According to the Ukraine Customs Service, the country exported 64,800 tonnes of eggs from January to June 2025, marking a 96% increase year-over-year. In monetary terms, export revenues surged by 160%, reaching \$87.5 million.
- This dramatic growth is largely attributed to a shift in export destinations.
- Historically reliant on markets in the Middle East and Asia, Ukrainian egg producers have pivoted toward Europe.
- In the first half of 2025, 14% of exports went to Croatia, 12.9% to the United Kingdom, and 10.9% to Spain.
- This transition was driven by logistical advantages and rising demand in the European Union, where egg shortages and high prices created favorable conditions for Ukrainian suppliers.
Yulia Flerova, General Director of Yasensvit, a subsidiary of Ovostar Union, explained that the war disrupted traditional export routes, prompting companies to seek new markets. “If our company used to export a lot to the Middle East and Africa, now it is mainly selling eggs to Europe,” she said during an industry conference in Kyiv.
Ukraine’s competitive edge lies in its cost-effective production, supported by fertile land and affordable feed. Additionally, free trade agreements with the EU and other regions have reduced tariffs and facilitated smoother trade flows. The global poultry market has also faced challenges such as avian influenza outbreaks and rising feed costs, which have opened opportunities for Ukrainian exporters to fill supply gaps.
- Despite the success, Ukrainian producers face hurdles in meeting diverse regulatory standards across EU member states.
- Each country has specific certification requirements, complicating the export process.
- Moreover, domestic logistics remain strained due to damaged infrastructure and restricted access to frontline zones like Kharkiv.
The export boom has also impacted domestic prices. In June 2025, average egg prices in Ukraine rose by 59.2% compared to the previous year, partly due to increased international demand.
Looking ahead, experts predict continued growth in Ukraine’s egg exports, with potential expansion into Southeast Asia and further investment in organic and cage-free egg production. If current trends persist, Ukraine could emerge as one of the top five global egg exporters by 2027.
Sources: Available upon request