Exports of domestic meat grew by almost 50% in 2013. In fact, poultry meat demonstrated the most dramatic export growth – over 80%. According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, a boost like that was largely due to the opening of the EU market for Ukraine, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.
In particular, according to Mykola Prysyazhnyuk, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, in order to save the positive dynamics of animal product exports, and to strengthen the position of domestic products on foreign markets, the state plans to pursue a number of programs to support Ukrainian producers in 2014.
"This year we have managed to cut on meat imports by almost 24%. In parallel with that, we have been able to boost exports by nearly 60%. It was promoted by such factors as opening of new markets, increasing of livestock production and size. Therefore, the government will continue its support programs. Starting the EU poultry exports was one of the main achievements in 2013. Supplies of this group of products to most foreign markets grew significantly during the year, by over 80%," Prysyazhnyuk said.
Analysts also note that there was a gradual increase in exports of beef (fresh and frozen) in 2013. In the 10 months of 2013, the beef exports grew by an average 40%. Experts are confident that the increasing interest in beef production and growing exports are caused by the government’s support of the Agrarian Ministry’s initiative to reduce live cattle exports duties from 25% to 5%.
