According to preliminary data from the State Customs Service, in November 2025, Ukraine exported approximately 2.39 thousand tonnes of live cattle, which is 44% more than in October 2025, but 89% less than in November 2024. Revenue from exported animals amounted to $ 5.46 million, up 1% from October 2025 and 8% from November 2024. In January-November 2025, Ukraine exported 17.33 thousand tonnes of live cattle (+23%) totaling $ 40.08 million (+49%). During the first 11 months of 2025, the key export destinations for Ukrainian cattle companies were Lebanon (85%), Kazakhstan (8%), and Libya (6.3%).

In November 2025, Ukrainian exporters supplied 411 tonnes of fresh or chilled beef to foreign markets, which is 64% more than in October of the current year and nearly a thousand times more than in November 2024. Export revenue for the supplied goods was $ 3.25 million, up 73% from October 2025 and 464 times more than in November 2024. In January-November 2025, Ukraine shipped 886 tonnes of chilled beef (-0.2%) worth $ 6.44 million (+16%). Since the beginning of 2025, the key destinations for fresh beef exports from Ukraine have been Turkey (65%), Georgia (17.5%), Jordan (7.6%), Azerbaijan (7%), and Moldova (2.5%).

The export volume of frozen beef from Ukraine in November 2025 was 1.61 thousand tonnes, 5% more than in October of the current year, but 19% less than in November 2024. Revenue for the supplied goods amounted to nearly $ 7.84 million, up 9% from October 2025, but 5% less than in November 2024. In January-November 2025, Ukraine exported 16.95 thousand tonnes of frozen beef (+1%) totaling $ 71.84 million (+8%). Since the start of the year, the largest shipments of frozen beef were sent to Azerbaijan (35%), China (26%), Uzbekistan (16%), Kazakhstan (7.8%), and Moldova (6%).

Georghii Kukhaleishvili notes that Ukraine increased its shipments of cattle and beef in November due to high red meat prices and limited supply in export markets. The global shortage of beef pushed livestock prices to record levels in 2025. Despite recent price softening, the market remains historically strong. According to AHDB, this price easing is likely due to a seasonal decrease in demand rather than a surplus of livestock, as most slaughterhouses have already fulfilled orders ahead of Christmas. High prices, sufficient feed stocks, and falling feed costs are working in favor of farmers.

Canadian market analyst Kevin Grier suggests that beef prices will remain high until at least 2027. Growth in 2026 is expected to be slower than in previous years. Over the past year, beef prices rose by 16%, and compared to the five-year average, they have increased by a record 35%. Red meat is becoming more expensive due to an imbalance between supply and demand. Cattle herds in Canada and the US are at their lowest levels in decades due to droughts and high costs for feed, energy, and labor. Meanwhile, demand remains very strong; even high prices haven't deterred mass consumption, though buyers are increasingly opting for cheaper cuts.

Farmers face a difficult choice: sell cows at record prices or keep them to rebuild herds. Rebuilding means a temporary reduction in beef supply and further upward pressure on prices. The situation is complicated by climate risks, an aging farmer population, and succession challenges, as younger generations prefer other careers. Due to tariff changes, reduced processing capacity in the US, and animal disease threats, retail price decreases are likely to happen slowly, even as herd rebuilding begins.

In November 2025, Ukraine imported 91 tonnes of cattle, up 117% from October. Chilled beef imports rose to 56 tonnes (+300%), and frozen beef imports increased to 100 tonnes (+11%) compared to October 2025. Chilled beef imports surged by 334% relative to November 2024, while frozen beef imports fell by 55%. In January-November 2025, Ukraine increased live cattle imports to 645 tonnes (+37%) and chilled beef to 176 tonnes (+28%), but reduced frozen beef imports to 1.26 thousand tonnes (-46%) compared to the same period last year.

The foreign trade balance in November 2025 was positive, amounting to $ 14.22 million.

Press Service of the Association of Milk Producers