Decline in sugar exports from Ukraine in 2025
Sugar exports from Ukraine in 2025 fell by 38% compared to the record year of 2024, when 746 thousand tons were recorded. According to the National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine 'Ukrtsukor', in 2025 Ukraine exported 463.7 thousand tons of sugar for a total of 222 million USD. The share of the global market in Ukrainian exports was 73%, while the share of the European Union market was 27%.
One of the main reasons for the decline in export volumes was the introduction of restrictions on the export of Ukrainian sugar to EU countries. Exports to the European Union decreased by 59% and amounted to 123 thousand tons, which significantly affected the overall results of the industry.
New markets
Among the new markets for Ukrainian sugar in 2025 are:
- Lebanon (15% of total exports)
- Bulgaria (14%)
- North Macedonia (8%)
- Libya (7%)
- Syria (6%)
- Turkey (6%)
These data indicate a shift in the direction of Ukrainian sugar exports, which may become an important factor in the further development of the industry.
The reduction in the volume of Ukrainian sugar exports in 2025 indicates the challenges faced by the industry, particularly due to restrictions imposed by EU countries. The shift in market orientation to new countries, such as Lebanon and Bulgaria, may indicate producers' adaptation to new conditions, but further development of export potential will depend on stabilizing market relations at the international level. These factors may affect the economy of Ukraine's agricultural sector as a whole, particularly the pricing policy and production volumes of sugar in the coming years.