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Ukraine turns to foreign markets for staple veggies in 2025
VU
Faced with supply gaps, Ukraine significantly increased imports of staple vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, and carrots in the first half of 2025, turning to key suppliers such as Poland, Egypt, and the Netherlands.
Driven by production shortfalls and rising domestic demand, Ukraine imported over $152 million worth of key vegetables for traditional dishes like borsch in the first half of 2025, new customs data shows.
Potatoes led the import surge, with volumes jumping nearly eightfold to 121,606 tonnes. The total value soared to $65.1 million, up nearly seven times year-on-year. Poland dominated this segment, supplying over a third of Ukraine’s imports and earning $23.8 million, followed by Egypt and the Netherlands.
Cabbage purchases more than doubled to 47,252 tonnes, with Ukraine spending $42 million on the crop — nearly 2.4 times more than in 2024. Macedonia emerged as the top source, contributing $14 million worth, ahead of Poland and the Netherlands.
Imports of carrots, beets, and celery climbed nearly eightfold to 43,065 tonnes, costing Ukraine $27.1 million — up from just $4.4 million the year before. Poland, Moldova, and the Netherlands together supplied over 70% of this volume.
Though onion imports dropped slightly in volume (15,747 tonnes), overall spending increased to $17.7 million. China led with a 27% share, followed by Egypt and the Netherlands.
The figures underline Ukraine’s growing dependence on regional partners to meet staple food needs, especially as domestic agriculture faces seasonal and economic pressures.
source: open4business.com.ua
photo: tv.112.ua
