(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Agricultural and food products accounted for 60 percent of Ukraine’s total exports in the first half of 2026, according to researchers at the Institute of Agrarian Economics. This represents a 3 percentage point increase compared with the same period in 2025.
The sector maintained its leading position in the country’s export structure during the January to June period. A notable feature was the continued high share of higher value added products. Processed foods, flour, malt, starch, dairy and egg products made up about 19 percent of all overseas shipments of Ukrainian agricultural goods.
Data from the State Customs Service show that the total foreign trade turnover for agricultural and food products exceeded USD 17.29 billion in the six months to June 2026, a rise of 10 percent from a year earlier. Exports grew by 11 percent to USD 12.59 billion, while imports increased by 8 percent to USD 4.7 billion. The positive trade balance for agricultural and food products therefore widened to more than USD 7.88 billion.
In pound sterling terms, the export value equates to approximately GBP 9.76 billion, with imports at around GBP 3.64 billion and the total trade turnover at GBP 13.4 billion, based on current exchange rates. In euros, the figures are roughly EUR 11.58 billion for exports, EUR 4.32 billion for imports and EUR 15.9 billion for total turnover.
Despite these gains, the researchers noted that the sector’s export potential is not being fully used. The main constraint is the increase in Russian attacks on Odesa’s seaports, which has raised security risks and made logistics more difficult. These disruptions continue to affect the supply chain and the ability to move goods to international markets.
On a more positive note, new trade arrangements could open up further opportunities for Ukrainian exporters. A free trade zone with the United Arab Emirates came into effect on 1 July 2026. In addition, a free trade agreement with Turkey is expected to enter into force soon, which the institute said should provide extra support for agricultural trade.
Looking ahead, the institute’s assessment for the rest of 2026 is that the agricultural sector will continue to operate under wartime conditions. Military risks are likely to persist and will keep influencing domestic market conditions and the country’s overall export capacity.
Earlier reports have shown that Ukraine processed 1.3 million tonnes of rapeseed and exported 520,000 tonnes of rapeseed oil during the July to June 2025/2026 marketing season.