6.8 million tons of milk were produced in 2025, which is 15% below the average for the last 5 years

In 2025, milk production in Ukraine amounted to 6.8 million tons , which is 5.4% less compared to 2024. The decline in raw milk production is primarily driven by the continued reduction in the number of cows in households and limited access to electricity due to shelling, which increases the cost of processing. Despite these challenges, industrial dairy enterprises continue to implement modern management models, invest in farm automation, and acquire new high-yielding cow breeds.

Key insights regarding this sector: 

• Production structure and livestock: In 2025, the total number of cows in Ukraine is 1.02 million heads, which is 15% less than in 2024. Currently, 38% (0.38 million heads) are kept at enterprises, while 62% (0.6 million heads) are in private households. The largest decline is occurring specifically in households due to low profitability, high costs, and the consequences of the war. However, the efficiency of the industrial sector is growing: the average milk yield per cow increased from 5,995 kg in 2024 to 6,262 kg per year in 2025. 
• Export volumes of milk and cream: In 2025, 59.7 thousand tons of milk and cream were exported , which is 7% less than in the same period of 2024. The highest demand in international markets is observed for fresh milk and high-fat cream. The main export volumes are directed to European countries outside the EU (40.9%) and directly to the EU-27 countries (36.3%). Products are also supplied to the Middle East (8.8%) , South America (5.8%) , and other regions (9.2%). 
• Export of butter and cheese: Butter exports in 2025 doubled compared to the previous year and amounted to 14.9 thousand tons , indicating stable demand and improved product quality. The lion’s share goes to European countries outside the EU (46.4%) and directly to the EU-27 (40.9%). In turn, cheese exports grew by 17%, reaching 14.4 thousand tons. A significant portion of these exports consists of semi-hard and hard cheese varieties. The geography of cheese exports is diversified : 46.3% is supplied to Europe (outside the EU) , 24.3% to CIS countries , and 19.9% to the EU-27.

Conclusion: Ukraine’s dairy sector demonstrates a growing concentration of production in the industrial sector, while households are gradually reducing milk production. Domestic producers are adapting to European standards, which opens access to more competitive markets. Despite logistical challenges, the sector maintains a positive export dynamic.

Learn more in the Agricultural Outlook 2025:  https://cutt.ly/XtQeCL7O