In 2024, Ukraine’s export landscape was dominated by agricultural products, which accounted for approximately 59% of the country’s total exports. Despite challenges posed by ongoing conflicts and logistical hurdles, Ukraine achieved a significant recovery in its export sector.
Here are the top 10 export products from Ukraine in 2024:
| Rank | Product | Export Value (USD) | Share of Total Exports |
|---|
| 1 | Sunflower oil | $5.1 billion | 21% |
| 2 | Corn (maize) | $5.0 billion | 21% |
| 3 | Wheat | $3.7 billion | 15% |
| 4 | Iron ore | $2.8 billion | 11% |
| 5 | Rapeseed | $1.8 billion | 7% |
| 6 | Soybeans | $1.3 billion | 5% |
| 7 | Sunflower meal (oilcake) | $1.0 billion | 4% |
| 8 | Poultry meat and edible products | $958 million | 4% |
| 9 | Hot-rolled steel and semi-finished products | $802 million | 3% |
| 10 | Barley | $557 million | 2% |
Other notable exports included sugar ($418 million), pig iron ($500 million), and soybean oil ($311 million). Interfax-Ukraine+5Pravda+5Export.gov.ua+5
Ukraine’s ability to maintain and even expand its agricultural exports, particularly in sunflower oil, corn, and wheat, underscores the resilience of its agri-food sector. The country’s metallurgical industry also showed signs of recovery, contributing significantly to export revenues.Reuters
In 2024, sunflower oil emerged as Ukraine’s leading agricultural export, generating over $5 billion in revenue. This achievement was facilitated by the normalization of seaport operations, which enabled the export of approximately 87.2 million tons of products by sea, marking a significant increase from the previous year .Grain ProTrade
🌍 Key Importers of Ukrainian Sunflower Oil in 2024
Between September and December of the 2024/25 season, the top three importers of Ukrainian sunflower oil were:AGRIWELL+4Fastmarkets+4Interfax+4
- India
- Spain
- Italy
These countries collectively accounted for 43.5% of Ukraine’s sunflower oil exports during this period. Notably, India increased its imports fivefold compared to the same period in the previous year, becoming the largest importer for the first time in three seasons .UkrAgroConsult+2AGRIWELL+2UkrAgroConsult+2
📉 Export Challenges and Market Dynamics
Despite the impressive export figures, Ukraine faced several challenges:
- Export Decline: As of March 1, 2025, sunflower oil exports decreased by 24%, totaling 2.4 million tons, the lowest level since the 2016/17 marketing year .AGRIWELL+1UkrAgroConsult+1
- Revenue Fluctuations: In the first quarter of the 2024/25 marketing year (July–October 2024), revenue from sunflower oil exports slightly decreased by 0.7% to $1.356 billion compared to the same period in the previous year .Interfax
- Processing Challenges: High raw material costs and low vegetable oil prices led to reduced processing margins, causing some processors to halt operations .AGRIWELL+2UkrAgroConsult+2cropgpt.ai+2
📈 Market Outlook
Looking ahead, the Ukrainian sunflower oil market is expected to navigate several factors:
- Global Competition: Increased sunflower oil supply from countries like Argentina may impact Ukraine’s market share .UkrAgroConsult
- Price Volatility: Fluctuations in global vegetable oil prices, including palm and soybean oils, could influence sunflower oil prices .AGRIWELL+2cropgpt.ai+2UkrAgroConsult+2
- Supply Constraints: Limited availability of raw materials may continue to challenge processing capacities and export volumes .AGRIWELL+1
Corn (maize)
In the 2024/25 marketing year, Ukraine’s corn (maize) sector faced significant challenges, leading to a notable decline in both production and exports.
🌽 Production Overview
- Total Output: Ukraine’s corn production for 2024/25 is estimated at 26.2 million metric tons, a 19% decrease from the previous year. IPAD
- Yield: The average yield is projected at 6.39 tons per hectare, down 17% from the prior year. IPAD+1USDA Library Downloads+1
- Harvested Area: The harvested area remains steady at 4.1 million hectares, a 2% decrease from the previous year. IPAD
🚢 Export Performance
- Export Volume: As of April 2025, Ukraine has exported over 18 million metric tons of corn in the 2024/25 marketing year. AgroReview+1AgroReview+1
- Export Forecast: The USDA projects total corn exports for 2024/25 to reach 22 million metric tons, down from previous estimates.
- Export Destinations: Key markets include the European Union, China, and Egypt. UGA
🌍 Market Dynamics
- Global Position: Despite the decline, Ukraine remains a significant player in the global corn market.
- Competitive Advantage: Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s corn industry could benefit from recent U.S. tariff measures, as global buyers may seek alternative suppliers. Reuters
🔮 Outlook
Looking ahead, Ukraine’s corn sector may experience a shift in planting decisions, with some farmers considering a return to corn cultivation due to favorable market conditions. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges continue to pose risks to production and export capabilities.
Wheat
In the 2024/25 marketing year (July 2024–June 2025), Ukraine’s wheat sector faced significant challenges, leading to a decline in both production and exports.
🌾 Production Overview
- Total Output: Ukraine’s wheat production is estimated at 22.9 million metric tons, slightly below the previous year’s 23.4 million metric tons .USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- Yield: The average yield is projected at 4.15 tons per hectare, down 10% from the prior year .USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+1IPAD+1
- Harvested Area: The harvested area is forecasted at 5.2 million hectares, a 4% increase from the previous year .USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+2IPAD+2USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+2
🚢 Export Performance
- Export Volume: As of early February 2025, Ukraine exported approximately 10.8 million metric tons of wheat UkrAgroConsult.
- Export Cap: The Ukrainian government set a wheat export cap at 16.2 million metric tons for the 2024/25 marketing year .Argus Media+1Ukrinform+1
- Export Revenue: Between July 2024 and January 2025, wheat exports generated $2.084 billion, a 40% increase compared to the same period in the previous year .NV.ua
🌍 Market Dynamics
- Global Position: Despite the decline, Ukraine remains a significant player in the global wheat market.
- Competitive Advantage: Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s wheat industry could benefit from recent global market shifts, as buyers seek alternative suppliers amid geopolitical tensions .Reuters
🔮 Outlook
Looking ahead, Ukraine’s wheat sector may experience a shift in planting decisions, with some farmers considering adjustments due to market conditions. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges continue to pose risks to production and export capabilities.
In the 2024/25 marketing year (July 2024–June 2025), Ukraine’s wheat sector demonstrated notable resilience amid ongoing challenges, maintaining steady production and robust export performance.
🌾 Production Overview
- Total Output: Ukraine’s wheat production is estimated at 22.9 million metric tons (MMT), aligning closely with the previous year’s figures.
- Yield: The average yield is projected at 4.29 tons per hectare, a 7% decrease from the prior year, influenced by dry planting conditions and reduced soil moisture levels. IPAD
- Harvested Area: The harvested area expanded to 5.2 million hectares, a 4% increase compared to the previous year.
🚢 Export Performance
- Export Volume: As of late January 2025, Ukraine exported approximately 10.7 million metric tons of wheat.
- Export Cap: The Ukrainian government set a wheat export cap at 16.2 million metric tons for the 2024/25 marketing year. Ukrinform
- Export Forecast: The USDA projects total wheat exports for 2024/25 to reach 15.5 million metric tons, slightly below previous estimates.
🌍 Key Export Destinations
Ukraine’s wheat exports have diversified, with increased shipments to distant Asian markets, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
📈 Market Dynamics
- Global Position: Despite challenges, Ukraine remains a significant player in the global wheat market.
- Competitive Advantage: Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s wheat industry could benefit from recent global market shifts, as buyers seek alternative suppliers amid geopolitical tensions.
🔮 Outlook
Looking ahead, Ukraine’s wheat sector may experience a shift in planting decisions, with some farmers considering adjustments due to market conditions. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges continue to pose risks to production and export capabilities.
Iron ore
In 2024, Ukraine’s iron ore exports experienced a remarkable resurgence, marking a significant recovery from the downturns of previous years.
📊 Export Volume and Revenue
- Export Volume: Ukraine exported approximately 33.7 million metric tons of iron ore in 2024, representing an 89.8% increase compared to 2023. Good Time Invest
- Export Revenue: The total revenue from iron ore exports reached around $2.8 billion, up 58.7% year-on-year.
🌍 Key Export Destinations
| Country | Volume Exported (Million Tons) | Share of Total Exports |
|---|---|---|
| China | 15.09 | ~45% |
| Poland | 5.09 | ~15% |
| Slovakia | 4.97 | ~15% |
Rapeseed
In the 2024/25 marketing year, Ukraine’s rapeseed sector demonstrated robust export performance despite facing production challenges.
🌾 Production and Export Overview
- Production Decline: Rapeseed production decreased by approximately 20% compared to the previous year, attributed to a 6% reduction in cultivation area and an 8% drop in yield. UkrAgroConsult
- Export Volume: Despite the production decline, Ukraine exported around 2.6 million tonnes of rapeseed, marking the third-largest volume on record after the 2019/20 and 2022/23 seasons. graintrade.com.ua+1UkrAgroConsult+1
- Export Potential: By December 2024, approximately 80% of the forecasted export volume had been achieved. UkrAgroConsult+3UkrAgroConsult+3graintrade.com.ua+3
🌍 Key Export Destinations
- European Union (EU): The EU remained the primary destination, importing about 2.43 million tonnes, a 13% increase from the previous season. This accounted for 92% of Ukraine’s total rapeseed exports. apk-inform.com+1UkrAgroConsult+1
- EU Market Share: Ukraine supplied 71% of the EU’s total rapeseed imports, up from 64% in the prior season. apk-inform.com+1UkrAgroConsult+1
💰 Export Revenue
- Economic Contribution: Rapeseed exports generated approximately $1.8 billion in revenue, positioning it among Ukraine’s top agricultural export commodities. OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich
⚙️ Processing and By-Products
- Domestic Processing: Due to reduced domestic processing, the USDA increased Ukraine’s rapeseed export forecast by 150,000 tonnes to 3.37 million tonnes. UkrAgroConsult+1graintrade.com.ua+1
- By-Product Exports: Exports of rapeseed oil and meal declined by 46% and 37% year-on-year, respectively, during July–December 2024/25. UkrAgroConsult+2agrisupp.com+2UkrAgroConsult+2
🚢 Export Logistics
- Transportation Routes: The reopening of the Black Sea corridor enabled nearly 90% of rapeseed exports to be transported through ports, restoring pre-war logistical practices. OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich
In summary, despite a notable decrease in production, Ukraine’s rapeseed exports in 2024/25 remained strong, primarily driven by sustained demand from the EU and efficient utilization of restored export routes.
Soybeans
In the 2024/25 marketing year, Ukraine’s soybean sector achieved record-breaking production and export figures, solidifying its position as a significant player in the global soybean market.
🌱 Production Highlights
- Record Harvest: Ukraine harvested an unprecedented 7.0 million metric tons of soybeans in 2024/25, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to expanded planting areas and favorable growing conditions. IPAD
- Yield Statistics: The average yield was estimated at 2.41 tons per hectare, reflecting a 6% improvement from the previous month, though slightly down from the prior year. IPAD
🚢 Export Performance
- Export Volume: Soybean exports reached a record 4.3 million metric tons in 2024/25, a significant rise driven by consecutive years of record production. Feed & Grain
- Key Markets: The European Union, Turkey, and Egypt were primary importers. Notably, Egypt’s imports exceeded 1 million tons, setting a new record. UkrAgroConsult
🛢️ Processed Products
- Soybean Oil: Exports of soybean oil reached 245,400 metric tons in the first half of the 2024/25 season, a 52% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. GrainProTrade
- Soybean Meal: Exports of soybean meal increased by 28% in 2023/24 compared to the previous marketing year, with the European Union accounting for 88% of these exports. UkrAgroConsult
🔮 Outlook
While 2024/25 was a milestone year, the outlook for 2025 presents challenges. Overproduction has led to decreased soybean prices, prompting some Ukrainian farmers to consider shifting cultivation back to corn, which currently offers more favorable market conditions. Projections suggest that soybean acreage could decrease by approximately 0.5 million hectares in 2025.
In summary, Ukraine’s soybean sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving record production and export levels in 2024/25. However, market dynamics and crop rotation considerations may influence future planting decisions.
Soybeans
In the 2024/25 marketing year, Ukraine’s soybean sector achieved record-breaking production and export figures, solidifying its position as a significant player in the global soybean market.
🌱 Production Highlights
- Record Harvest: Ukraine harvested an unprecedented 7.0 million metric tons of soybeans in 2024/25, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to expanded planting areas and favorable growing conditions. IPAD
- Yield Statistics: The average yield was estimated at 2.41 tons per hectare, reflecting a 6% improvement from the previous month, though slightly down from the prior year. IPAD
🚢 Export Performance
- Export Volume: Soybean exports reached a record 4.3 million metric tons in 2024/25, a significant rise driven by consecutive years of record production. Feed & Grain
- Key Markets: The European Union, Turkey, and Egypt were primary importers. Notably, Egypt’s imports exceeded 1 million tons, setting a new record. UkrAgroConsult
🛢️ Processed Products
- Soybean Oil: Exports of soybean oil reached 245,400 metric tons in the first half of the 2024/25 season, a 52% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. GrainProTrade
- Soybean Meal: Exports of soybean meal increased by 28% in 2023/24 compared to the previous marketing year, with the European Union accounting for 88% of these exports. UkrAgroConsult
🔮 Outlook
While 2024/25 was a milestone year, the outlook for 2025 presents challenges. Overproduction has led to decreased soybean prices, prompting some Ukrainian farmers to consider shifting cultivation back to corn, which currently offers more favorable market conditions. Projections suggest that soybean acreage could decrease by approximately 0.5 million hectares in 2025.
In summary, Ukraine’s soybean sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, achieving record production and export levels in 2024/25. However, market dynamics and crop rotation considerations may influence future planting decisions.
Sunflower meal (oilcake)
In the 2024/25 marketing year, Ukraine solidified its position as a leading global exporter of sunflower meal (also known as sunflower cake or oilcake), a crucial by-product of sunflower oil production widely used in animal feed.
🌻 Production and Export Overview
- Production Volume: Ukraine produced approximately 5.9 million metric tons of sunflower meal in 2024/25.
- Export Volume: Exports reached around 4.5 million metric tons, accounting for about 76% of total production. UkrAgroConsult
- April 2024 Surge: In April 2024 alone, Ukraine exported a record 560,000 metric tons of sunflower meal, marking a 41% increase from the previous month and one of the highest monthly volumes since February 2022. Interfax+1Commodity Board Europe GmbH+1
🌍 Key Export Destinations
- China: China emerged as the largest importer, receiving approximately 1.83 million metric tons, which constituted about 72.4% of its total sunflower meal imports.
- European Union (EU): The EU accounted for 45% of Ukraine’s sunflower meal exports, up from 39% in the previous season. Interfax
💰 Economic Impact
- Export Revenue: Sunflower meal exports generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2024, making it one of Ukraine’s top agro-processed export commodities. GrainProTrade+1Ukrinform+1
⚙️ Industry and Logistics
- Processing Capacity: Ukraine’s oilseed processing industry efficiently crushed nearly all available sunflower seeds, maximizing meal production. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- Logistical Improvements: The normalization of sea port operations significantly enhanced export capabilities, with goods shipped by sea increasing from 54.8 million tonnes in 2023 to 87.2 million tonnes in 2024. Ukrinform+1NV.ua+1
In summary, Ukraine’s sunflower meal sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in 2024/25, driven by robust production, strategic export partnerships, and improved logistical infrastructure.
Poultry meat and edible products
In 2024, Ukraine’s poultry meat and edible products sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, achieving record export volumes and revenues despite ongoing challenges.
📦 Export Performance
- Volume: Ukraine exported approximately 446,600 tonnes of poultry meat in 2024, marking a 6.3% increase compared to 2023 .Ukranews+3Pravda+3Yahoo Finance+3
- Value: Export revenues surged by 20.4%, reaching an all-time high of $962.7 million .Pravda+5Eggora+5UkrAgroConsult+5
- Product Range: The increase in export value was driven by higher global prices and a shift towards more value-added products .poultrymed.com
🌍 Key Export Destinations
- European Union (EU): The EU remained a significant market, with the Netherlands accounting for 16.8% of Ukraine’s poultry exports .poultrymed.com
- Middle East and Africa: Exports to these regions increased, with countries like Saudi Arabia and Slovakia becoming major importers .USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+2Food Business Africa+2eFeedLink+2
🏭 Production Insights
- Industrial Dominance: Industrial chicken meat production dominated, with the household sector contributing only 9% of total output in 2023 .Home+1USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+1
- Leading Producer: MHP SE, Ukraine’s largest poultry producer, reported stable production at full capacity, despite challenges such as electricity outages and workforce mobilization .Home+2USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+2USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+2
⚠️ Challenges and Outlook
- EU Trade Restrictions: In May 2024, the EU imposed new trade restrictions on Ukrainian poultry imports, leading to a strategic shift towards Middle Eastern and African markets .USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+1USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+1
- Production Risks: While production growth is possible through process optimization and contributions from smaller producers, risks such as electricity outages and workforce mobilization remain significant .USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
In summary, Ukraine’s poultry sector in 2024 showcased significant growth in both export volume and value, adapting to market shifts and overcoming production challenges. The industry’s strategic pivot to new markets and focus on value-added products have been key drivers of its success.
Hot-rolled steel and semi-finished products
In 2024, Ukraine’s steel industry demonstrated significant resilience and growth, particularly in the export of hot-rolled steel and semi-finished products. Despite ongoing challenges, including geopolitical tensions and infrastructural issues, the sector achieved notable milestones.
🔩 Hot-Rolled Steel Exports
- Export Volume: Ukraine exported approximately 1.36 million metric tons of hot-rolled flat products in 2024, marking a 44.7% increase compared to the previous year. ГМК
- Export Value: The total export value of hot-rolled steel reached $802 million, underscoring its significance in Ukraine’s metallurgical exports.
- Key Markets: The primary destinations for Ukrainian hot-rolled steel included:
- Poland: 354,030 tons (+42.2% year-on-year)Oreaco+18ГМК+18Aisu Steel+18
- Bulgaria: 362,350 tons (+99% year-on-year)ГМК
- Italy: 131,980 tons (+25.5% year-on-year)ГМК+9ГМК+9ГМК+9
⚙️ Semi-Finished Steel Exports
- Export Volume: Exports of semi-finished steel products surged to 1.89 million metric tons in 2024, reflecting a 56.7% increase from 2023. IndexBox+2Oreaco+2ГМК+2
- Export Value: The export value for semi-finished iron products amounted to $927.5 million, highlighting its role as a top-tier export commodity. Українська правда
- Major Importers:
- Bulgaria: 595,020 tons (+30% year-on-year)IndexBox+1ГМК+1
- Egypt: 356,170 tons (+1,233% year-on-year)Aisu Steel+1IndexBox+1
- Turkey: 215,760 tonsIndexBox
📈 Industry Trends and Outlook
- Production Growth: Steel production in Ukraine increased by 21% in 2024, reaching approximately 7.5 million metric tons. However, this figure remains about 65% below the pre-war level of 21.4 million tons in 2021. ГМК
- Export Reliance: The share of steel production exported rose to 67% in 2024, up from 55.4% in 2023, indicating a growing dependence on international markets. SteelRadar
- Infrastructure Challenges: The ongoing conflict has impacted critical infrastructure. Notably, the Pokrovsk coking coal mine, essential for steel production, faced operational halts due to advancing Russian forces. The potential loss of this facility could significantly reduce steel output, emphasizing the industry’s vulnerability. apnews.com+1Reuters+1Reuters+1Reuters+1Reuters
In summary, Ukraine’s steel industry in 2024 showcased remarkable growth in exports of hot-rolled and semi-finished steel products, driven by increased production and strategic market diversification. Nevertheless, the sector continues to navigate challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Barley
In 2024, Ukraine’s barley sector demonstrated notable resilience and growth, with significant increases in both production and exports, despite ongoing challenges.
🌾 Barley Production in 2024
- Harvested Area: Approximately 1.4 million hectares of barley were harvested in Ukraine-controlled territories during the 2024/25 marketing year. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- Production Volume: The total barley production was estimated at 5.5 million metric tons, reflecting a 5% decrease compared to the previous year. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
📦 Barley Exports
- Export Volume: As of January 17, 2025, Ukraine exported approximately 2 million metric tons of barley in the 2024/25 marketing year, marking a 64% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. UkrAgroConsult
- Record Monthly Export: In January 2024, Ukraine achieved a record export of 432,000 metric tons of barley, driven by strong demand from the EU and China.
- Key Export Destinations:
- China: Accounted for 29% of Ukraine’s barley exports, up from 10% in the previous marketing year.
- Saudi Arabia: Resumed significant imports, reestablishing its position as a major market for Ukrainian barley.
- European Union: Countries like Turkey, Greece, and Italy remained important markets. USDA Foreign Agricultural Servicewp.cropgpt.ai
💰 Market Dynamics
- Export Prices: Barley export prices ranged between $206 and $215 per metric ton, reaching levels comparable to corn and feed wheat. UkrAgroConsult
- Domestic Demand: Low domestic demand for malting barley was observed due to challenges in selling malt on international markets. UkrAgroConsult
🔮 Outlook
Despite the positive trends in 2024, Ukraine’s barley sector faces potential challenges, including geopolitical tensions and infrastructure issues, which may impact future production and export capacities. However, the strong demand from international markets and competitive pricing position Ukraine favorably in the global barley trade.
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