In January 2026, Ukraine significantly reduced exports of beef and live cattle. The market was affected by a post-holiday slowdown in business activity, higher logistics costs caused by the war, and a temporary decline in consumer demand amid high red meat prices, ProAgro Group reports.
According to preliminary data from the State Customs Service, Ukraine exported 958 tonnes of live cattle in January, which is 36% less than in December 2025 and 33% lower year-on-year. Export revenues fell to USD 1.82 million (–46% month-on-month and –33% year-on-year).
Exports of fresh and chilled beef totaled 292 tonnes, down 32% month-on-month, but significantly higher than in January 2025. Export revenues increased to USD 2.22 million, exceeding both the previous month’s and last year’s levels.
Exports of frozen beef amounted to 966 tonnes in January 2026 (–34% month-on-month and –31% year-on-year), while export revenues reached nearly USD 4.62 million, also below both monthly and annual figures.
Analyst Heorhii Kukhiashvili from the Association of Milk Producers links the decline in exports to higher logistics costs due to intensified attacks on port infrastructure, as well as additional expenses for security measures and risk insurance. At the same time, according to FAO, the global beef market typically sees weaker demand in January following active purchases at the end of the year.
As reported earlier, in January Ukraine opened three new export markets for live cattle in Algeria, partially expanding its export geography despite the overall decline in shipments.
