As of January 23, 2026, media reports indicate that Ukraine’s poultry exports have evolved into an efficient, Europe-oriented economic model aligned with EU standards and market needs. While physical export volumes declined slightly by 1.8% to 458,100 tonnes, export revenues rose sharply by 13.7%, exceeding $1.149 billion. The increase in average export prices reflects a shift toward higher-quality products and deeper processing, underscoring structural improvements rather than volume-driven growth.
The European Union now absorbs 30.6% of Ukraine’s poultry exports, or 139,700 tonnes, confirming Ukraine’s role as a reliable and predictable partner in Europe’s food supply chain. In a period marked by volatility in global protein markets, this consistency provides EU importers and processors with a stabilising external source that supports food security and market balance.
Predictable supply and reduced price volatility
European buyers benefit not from sporadic shipments but from a steady and forecastable flow of Ukrainian poultry products. Regularity of supply allows processors and large importers to plan procurement in the medium term, lock in contracts, and manage pricing risks more effectively. This predictability helps reduce exposure to sudden price swings and supply disruptions, which have become more frequent on global agricultural markets.
By providing a dependable external source, Ukraine effectively assumes part of the role of a market stabiliser, helping smooth fluctuations in supply and demand across the EU poultry sector.
Netherlands as a processing and logistics hub
The Netherlands has emerged as the key hub for Ukrainian poultry in Europe, accounting for 17.4% of total exports. Rather than serving primarily domestic consumption, Ukrainian poultry is integrated into Dutch processing, packaging, and logistics systems. This model allows Dutch companies to optimise costs, fully utilise industrial capacity, and leverage established distribution networks across the EU.
Such integration supports not only food processors but also adjacent sectors, including cold storage, transport, and logistics infrastructure. Ukrainian raw material fits efficiently into the Netherlands’ re-export-oriented trade model, reinforcing the country’s role as a central node in Europe’s agri-food supply chains.
Value-added products and efficiency gains
The growing share of ready-to-use and highly processed poultry products, which reached 18,400 tonnes valued at $58 million, is particularly significant for European partners. These products require less additional processing, certification, and handling within the EU, reducing operational costs for importers and food manufacturers.
For countries with advanced food industries, this translates into more efficient production chains and faster time-to-market. Ukrainian exports thus contribute not only raw material but also functional value that aligns with Europe’s cost-optimisation strategies.
Regional stabilisation and diversification benefits
For Central European countries, including Slovakia, Ukrainian poultry plays a distinct role in stabilising domestic food markets. Access to competitively priced Ukrainian supply helps restrain price growth for meat and processed products, easing inflationary pressure on households and food producers alike.
In the United Kingdom, Ukrainian poultry contributes to diversification away from traditional global suppliers. By spreading sourcing risks across multiple regions, UK importers enhance resilience against logistical disruptions and geopolitical shocks. In this context, Ukraine is increasingly viewed as a dependable and economically attractive partner in ensuring long-term food security.
According to industry analysis published by UkrAgroConsult, the transformation of Ukraine’s poultry exports is delivering tangible benefits not only to Ukrainian producers but also to European processing, retail, and logistics ecosystems.
