Last year, trade in agricultural products between Ukraine and the EU reached a record high, according to the Institute of Agrarian Economy.

In 2024, mutual trade in agricultural products between Ukraine and the European Union reached nearly $17 billion. This is the highest figure since the implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, exceeding the previous record of $16.5 billion in 2022 by 3%.

Deputy Director of the National Scientific Center "Institute of Agrarian Economics," Academician of NAAS Mykola Puhachov reported this, as informed by the press service of the IAE.

He noted that last year, Ukraine's main European partners were Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Romania, France, and Belgium. These countries account for 80% of the total domestic trade turnover of agri-food products with the European Union.

It is mentioned that last year, Ukraine imported agricultural products from EU member states worth approximately $4,006 million. This is nearly 9% more than in 2023.

As Mykola Puhachov pointed out, the import structure of agricultural products to Ukraine from the EU does not yet exhibit the same distinct characteristics as the export structure. However, several groups of goods can be distinguished.

According to the institute, in 2024, Ukraine spent the most – $484 million – on purchasing various beverages from the EU. Various food products, extracts, and concentrates were imported for $405 million, tobacco products for $385 million, animal feed, residues, and waste for $356 million, and cocoa and chocolate products for $289 million.

“A significant share (7%) of domestic imports from the EU in 2024 was again occupied by dairy products. Last year, their imports increased by 8% compared to 2023, amounting to $277 million. The leading product in the import of this group turned out to be various cheeses, which were purchased for $225 million last year,” the report states.

At the same time, the volume of supplies of ready-made grain products to the Ukrainian market amounted to $258 million.

Overall, these product groups accounted for 61% of the value of food imports from the EU.

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that in 2024, Ukraine imported goods worth $70.7 billion, primarily from China and Poland. The total trade turnover reached $112.3 billion, which is 13% more than in 2023.