Ukraine increased its cheese imports by 3% and exports by 7% in January-June 2024 year-over-year, according to the Infagro industry agency.

"Imported cheese on the shelves of many networks is not less than domestic cheese, although contrary to expectations, its purchases are not growing. The reasons are the devaluation of the hryvnia and logistical problems. Overall, in the first half of the year, cheese imports are about 3% higher than the same period last year. Amid declining consumption, as experts noted, this volume of European goods has displaced domestic cheese on store shelves," the analysts said.

Ukrainian cheesemakers are striving to increase cheese exports, which are becoming increasingly profitable due to the devaluation of the hryvnia. In the first half of the year, external sales of semi-hard cheese were 7% higher than last year. Cheese exports are at a record high for many years.

The experts pointed out that cheese consumption in Ukraine has significantly decreased due to the heat wave and the lack of electricity, resulted in a drop in purchases of perishable products, including cheese.

"Despite the increase in production costs, cheesemakers have not yet dared to raise the benchmark prices for their products. But work is underway to communicate with networks and distributors. Most likely, a widespread price increase will be at the end of the summer," Infagro said.