The global meat shortage has worked in Ukraine's favor
In April 2026, domestic exporters significantly increased their shipments of frozen beef to foreign markets.
This was reported by the Milk Producers Association, citing preliminary data from the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
This positive trend was supported by high global prices for red meat and a noticeable shortage of products in leading producing countries, which traditionally shape global supply.
During the second month of spring, Ukrainian companies shipped 1,780 tons of frozen beef abroad.
This result is 7% higher than the figures for March of this year and 18% higher than the same period in 2025.
Along with physical volumes, foreign exchange earnings of Ukrainian companies also showed steady growth.
By the end of April, they reached nearly $8.14 million, which is 10% more than in March and 45% higher than last year’s result.
In total, during the first four months of 2026, Ukraine exported 5,690 tons of frozen beef to foreign markets, worth $25.94 million.
In volume terms, total exports for this period were 6% lower than last year, but the total revenue of domestic exporters increased by 13%.
This trend clearly indicates that the very favorable price conditions on the international red meat market remain in place.
At the same time, the live cattle trade segment showed the opposite trend. In April, exports in this sector amounted to approximately 1,730 tons, which is 38% less than in March and 30% lower than in April 2025.
Revenue from the sale of live cattle decreased accordingly, to $4.17 million. However, for the period from January to April, total exports of live cattle amounted to 7,260 tons, slightly exceeding last year’s figure.
The market for fresh or chilled beef demonstrated exceptionally rapid and record-breaking growth.
In April, Ukraine exported 352 tons of such products to foreign markets, generating revenue of $2.95 million—22 times more than last year.
In the first four months of this year, the volume of exports amounted to 1,340 tons, worth $10.57 million.
Ukraine reduced dairy exports in April
In the EU,inflation is hitting record highs due to the oil crisis and rising fuel prices, according to the WSJ.
In April 2026, consumer prices in Ukraine rose by 1.4% compared to March. On an annual basis, inflation accelerated to 8.6%, the highest rate since the beginning of the year.
