Ukraine has significantly reduced its butter exports since the beginning of the year

From January through April 2026, Ukrainian butter exports to foreign markets totaled 3,400 tons, a 32% decrease compared to the same period last year. 

This is evidenced by official data from the State Customs Service of Ukraine, as reported by the industry publication AgroTimes. This decline in volumes also had a negative impact on producers’ financial revenues.

In monetary terms, foreign exchange revenue from butter sales abroad showed an even steeper decline, falling by 45.4% compared to the figure for the first four months of 2025—to $19.5 million. Despite the overall decline in shipments, analysts have compiled a list of the three key countries that have been the most active buyers of Ukrainian dairy products since the beginning of the year. The largest importers of domestic butter during this period were Moldova, which purchased 39.6% of the total volume, Azerbaijan with a 21% share, and Israel, which accounted for 8.9% of Ukrainian exports.

In April 2026, Ukraine reduced dairy exports by 14% compared to March—to 10,750 tons—while foreign exchange earnings fell to $31.44 million.