Ukraine's agricultural exports rise 11%, accounting for 60% of export revenue

Agricultural and food products accounted for 60% of Ukraine's total exports in the first half of 2026, up 3 percentage points from the same period a year earlier. Agricultural exports increased by 11% year-on-year, while imports rose by 8%, according to Mykola Puhachov, deputy director of the National Scientific Centre Institute of Agrarian Economics.

Puhachov said the continued strong share of higher value-added products in agricultural exports was one of the key trends in January–June 2026. These included processed food products, flour, malt, starch, dairy products, and eggs, which together accounted for around 19% of Ukraine's total agricultural exports.

According to the State Customs Service, Ukraine's agricultural foreign trade turnover reached $17.3 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 10% from a year earlier. Exports totalled $12.6 billion, an 11% increase year-on-year, while imports rose 8% to $4.7 billion.

Despite simultaneous growth in exports and imports, Ukraine's agricultural trade surplus widened to $7.9 billion.

Researchers noted, however, that Ukraine has yet to fully realise its export potential. One of the main constraints remains intensified Russian attacks on port infrastructure in Odesa region, which have increased security risks and further complicated export logistics.

According to the Institute of Agrarian Economics, current trade dynamics indicate that food exports remain broadly in line with levels typical during the full-scale war, while agricultural and food imports have continued to grow for the fourth consecutive year.

Among the positive developments for the sector, experts highlighted the launch of the Ukraine–UAE free trade agreement on July 1, 2026, as well as the expected entry into force of a similar agreement with Türkiye in September following the completion of its ratification process.

At the same time, the Institute of Agrarian Economics expects Ukraine's agricultural and food sector to continue operating under challenging conditions through the end of the year, as ongoing Russian aggression continues to affect the domestic market, logistics, and export opportunities for Ukrainian producers.