Seeds import to Ukraine in 2019 worth USD 410 mln

In the year 2019, Ukraine imported major agricultural crops seeds for the amount of more than USD 410.3 mln, whereas the export of seeds from the country stood at USD 15.10 mln, the APK-Inform consultancy reports.

According to experts, there are two main reasons for the formation of this trend, in particular, the loss of a large market (Russia) and the lack of the necessary European confirmation of equivalence on certification of Ukrainian seeds.

"Analyzing the dynamics of seeds export-import, it is comforting that there is a decrease in volumes of corn seed import and a slight decrease in the sunflower segment. It is connected with the construction of new plants for the production of seeds, which increases the chances of Ukraine to reduce its dependence on imports and increase exports," commented the Executive Director of Seed Association of Ukraine Susanna Grigorenko.

According to her, the analysis of the geography of Ukrainian seed supplies demonstrates that Ukrainian products are in demand mainly in the markets of the CIS, and only a few foreign countries buy small volumes of Ukrainian seeds.

Previously reported that January exports of agricultural commodities from Ukraine reached USD 1.98 bln, 14% more from January 2019.