Polish Cheese Dominates 80% of Ukraine's Import Market

Ukraine's Cheese Imports in 2025

According to ХВИЛЯ: In 2025, the share of European cheese imports in Ukraine climbed to 42%. According to Yuriy Shabliyenko, Deputy Director for Export at the National Cheese Company LLC, imports of hard cheeses reached approximately 16,000 tons-a 14% increase compared to 2024. Notably, 80-85% of these imports come from Polish producers.

Poland as a Key Supplier

Poland has become the dominant cheese supplier to Ukraine, leveraging its logistical and technological advantages. As Yuriy Shabliyenko highlighted,

“After joining the European Union, Polish factories invested in new equipment. Today, compared to German producers, Polish production lines are newer and therefore more efficient.”

Poland's logistical edge includes a shared border with Ukraine, enabling the fastest and cheapest delivery among EU countries.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian dairy products face limited demand in the EU market, primarily appealing to Ukrainian diaspora communities. Yuriy Shabliyenko noted,

“This will bring additional challenges for our industry. Our products currently on the European market are mainly sought after by our compatriots-it’s a matter of ethnic preferences.”

He added that 'opportunities exist. The strongest players and those whose products meet the EU's stringent requirements will survive.'

Ukrainian companies now face the urgent task of aligning with EU safety and quality standards. Despite these hurdles, there is growth potential, especially if Ukraine joins the EU, which would unlock access to financial tools and resources for modernizing equipment.

In summary, Ukraine's cheese market is heavily reliant on European imports-particularly from Poland-underscoring the need for local producers to adapt and upgrade in response to rising competition.

The surge in Polish cheese imports and Ukraine's broader dependence on European supply highlight the critical importance of modernizing the country's dairy sector. If Ukrainian producers successfully meet EU standards, they could gain opportunities to expand into international markets. This could become especially relevant if Ukraine joins the EU, opening new avenues for quality and safety improvements in their products.

As the demand for imported cheese grows, it's interesting to note that Ukraine's dairy sector is also exploring new opportunities in the international market. Recently, Syria has emerged as a significant buyer of Ukrainian skim milk powder, highlighting the potential for Ukrainian dairy products to penetrate diverse markets despite challenges at home. This shift underscores the evolving landscape of Ukraine's dairy industry and the importance of adapting to global trends.