As we update our spring review of the agri-food market, we are paying special attention to another key segment of the Ukrainian food industry: beef production. Earlier in a series of issues, we have already covered the current situation on the egg, pork and butter markets; therefore, this issue logically complements the overall picture of the industry.
In 2025, the Ukrainian beef market is in a state of transformation. After a long period of decline, the industry is showing signs of stabilisation, but key structural challenges remain unresolved. Despite some internal adaptation and export ambitions, beef remains one of the most vulnerable segments in the country’s agri-food system.
Over the past decade, beef production in Ukraine has almost halved, from 417,000 tonnes in 2014 to 231,000 tonnes in 2024. The main reasons for this were a reduction in the number of cattle, rising cattle costs, energy and feed costs, and general economic instability. This decline is even clearer when you compare it to the growing production in developing countries, where the trend is positive (+1.2% CAGR).
The decline in domestic demand was another critical factor. According to the report, annual beef consumption in Ukraine decreased from 392 thousand tonnes in 2014 to 211 thousand tonnes in 2024. In terms of per capita consumption, this amounts to only 3.7 kg per person: almost 2.5 times less than the global average; and 2.7 times less than in the EU. This level of consumption reflects a combination of two trends: a decline in the purchasing power of the population and a shift in eating habits towards cheaper sources of protein.
In 2024, the volume of Ukrainian beef exports decreased by 21.6% (to 29 thousand tonnes), and its share in total production fell from 15.6% to 12.4%. Although this drop may look like a decrease in export focus, the data indicates that the structural orientation towards foreign markets will remain: by 2033, the share of exports will stabilise at 12-13%. At the same time, the decline in production naturally limits export potential: volumes do not allow for global competition without a large-scale transformation of the domestic industry.
In 2024, the price of Ukrainian beef increased by 7.4% to $4,547 per tonne. This indicates a trend towards convergence with global average prices ($4,973), but Ukrainian products are still lower in value. The gradual levelling off of the price delta ($426 compared to $669 in 2023) opens up new export opportunities. At the same time, price increases amid consistently high production costs carry the risk of a decline in domestic demand and deepening the social gap in access to meat products.
The deterioration of infrastructure and the lack of refrigeration and logistics facilities remain systemic barriers to development. Issues with transportation, storage and distribution of products reduce business profitability and make it difficult to compete with foreign suppliers.
It is worth noting that the share of beef imports in Ukraine increased from 1% in 2014 to 4.4% in 2024 and is forecast to reach 4.8% by 2033. This confirms the beginning of a change in the model of meeting demand: from self-sufficiency to dependence on imports. Given the military and logistical risks, this trend could jeopardise the country’s food security.
The beef industry in Ukraine is at a critical stage. A further decline could lead to the loss of even residual positions on the global market and deeper import dependence. At the same time, the organic market, export margin potential and positive price dynamics offer a chance for restructuring. This requires targeted actions: investment in agricultural technology, farm modernisation, logistics development and support for small and medium-sized producers. A comprehensive strategy for the industry is needed.
See a detailed analysis of the beef market in Ukraine
BDO in Ukraine has a team of experts specialising in the analysis of the agri-food sector. We regularly conduct research and provide detailed analytical reports. If your business is related to beef production and you are interested in detailed analytics, market prospects, finding areas for growth or improving efficiency, get in touch with the experts of BDO in Ukraine.
In 2025, the Ukrainian beef market is in a state of transformation. After a long period of decline, the industry is showing signs of stabilisation, but key structural challenges remain unresolved. Despite some internal adaptation and export ambitions, beef remains one of the most vulnerable segments in the country’s agri-food system.
Production pressures: economy, climate, demand
Over the past decade, beef production in Ukraine has almost halved, from 417,000 tonnes in 2014 to 231,000 tonnes in 2024. The main reasons for this were a reduction in the number of cattle, rising cattle costs, energy and feed costs, and general economic instability. This decline is even clearer when you compare it to the growing production in developing countries, where the trend is positive (+1.2% CAGR).The decline in domestic demand was another critical factor. According to the report, annual beef consumption in Ukraine decreased from 392 thousand tonnes in 2014 to 211 thousand tonnes in 2024. In terms of per capita consumption, this amounts to only 3.7 kg per person: almost 2.5 times less than the global average; and 2.7 times less than in the EU. This level of consumption reflects a combination of two trends: a decline in the purchasing power of the population and a shift in eating habits towards cheaper sources of protein.
Export potential: decrease in volumes while keeping the focus
In 2024, the volume of Ukrainian beef exports decreased by 21.6% (to 29 thousand tonnes), and its share in total production fell from 15.6% to 12.4%. Although this drop may look like a decrease in export focus, the data indicates that the structural orientation towards foreign markets will remain: by 2033, the share of exports will stabilise at 12-13%. At the same time, the decline in production naturally limits export potential: volumes do not allow for global competition without a large-scale transformation of the domestic industry.
Prices: growth as both a chance and a threat
In 2024, the price of Ukrainian beef increased by 7.4% to $4,547 per tonne. This indicates a trend towards convergence with global average prices ($4,973), but Ukrainian products are still lower in value. The gradual levelling off of the price delta ($426 compared to $669 in 2023) opens up new export opportunities. At the same time, price increases amid consistently high production costs carry the risk of a decline in domestic demand and deepening the social gap in access to meat products.
Strategic risks: infrastructure and imports
The deterioration of infrastructure and the lack of refrigeration and logistics facilities remain systemic barriers to development. Issues with transportation, storage and distribution of products reduce business profitability and make it difficult to compete with foreign suppliers.It is worth noting that the share of beef imports in Ukraine increased from 1% in 2014 to 4.4% in 2024 and is forecast to reach 4.8% by 2033. This confirms the beginning of a change in the model of meeting demand: from self-sufficiency to dependence on imports. Given the military and logistical risks, this trend could jeopardise the country’s food security.
Conclusions: between collapse and revival
The beef industry in Ukraine is at a critical stage. A further decline could lead to the loss of even residual positions on the global market and deeper import dependence. At the same time, the organic market, export margin potential and positive price dynamics offer a chance for restructuring. This requires targeted actions: investment in agricultural technology, farm modernisation, logistics development and support for small and medium-sized producers. A comprehensive strategy for the industry is needed.See a detailed analysis of the beef market in Ukraine
BDO in Ukraine has a team of experts specialising in the analysis of the agri-food sector. We regularly conduct research and provide detailed analytical reports. If your business is related to beef production and you are interested in detailed analytics, market prospects, finding areas for growth or improving efficiency, get in touch with the experts of BDO in Ukraine.
