Ukrainian Cabbage Hits Market at 39% Lower Price Than Last Year

Early White Cabbage Sales Season Underway in Ukraine

According to Главком: Ukraine has officially launched the sales season for young white cabbage sourced from local farms. Due to a cold spring, harvesting started two weeks later than in previous years, delaying the early cabbage market by approximately the same margin compared to last season. The 2026 harvest of Ukrainian cabbage is priced at 30-38 UAH/kg, equivalent to $0.68-0.87/kg. These local prices are 39% cheaper than the first batches of young cabbage sold during the same period last year.

Import Competition and Market Shifts

Imports are also shaping the market dynamics. Cabbage from North Macedonia is selling at an average of 40 UAH/kg, or about $0.91/kg. According to agricultural market analysts:

“Prices for imported new-harvest cabbage have started to drop sharply as the first locally grown supplies enter the market.”

This highlights intense competition between domestic and imported products.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s borscht vegetable basket is seeing price fluctuations: carrots have risen by 20%, driven by a mismatch between strong demand and limited availability of high-quality stock. In contrast, onion prices have declined, likely due to seasonal shifts in supply and demand.

Overall, the young white cabbage sales season in Ukraine is unfolding amid notable price changes for other vegetables, reflecting the dynamic nature of the country’s agricultural market. With a delayed harvest and price competition from imports, local growers are adapting to new market conditions-potentially strengthening their position. The carrot price surge also underscores supply chain challenges that could affect consumers in the near future.

As the early cabbage sales season progresses, it's important to note the recent volatility in vegetable prices. While local cabbage is currently more affordable, recent reports indicate a significant price spike for cabbage in the market, driven by various factors. Understanding these shifts can provide valuable insights into consumer trends and market dynamics, especially as competition between local and imported produce intensifies.