What happened
In 2025 Ukraine exported 463,700 tonnes of sugar worth $222 million, the National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine «Ukrtsukor» reports. Total export volume fell by 38% compared with the record year 2024 (746,000 t). The key driver of the change was the introduction of restrictions on supplies to the European Union.
Where the sugar went
The trade structure underwent a significant reshuffle: while in 2024 the split was roughly 60% — global markets / 40% — EU, in 2025 as much as 73% went to global markets and only 27% to the EU. Among the largest importers were Lebanon (15%), Bulgaria (14%), North Macedonia (8%), Libya (7%), Syria and Turkey (6% each). In the 2024–2025 marketing season, which ended on 31 August, five companies accounted for 87% of exports.
Why it matters
The trade reshuffle is not just statistics. Market diversification reduces dependence on the EU but increases exposure to volatility from new buyers, logistical risks and price fluctuations. For farmers and processors this means: the lost volumes of 2024 affect farmers' incomes and foreign-currency receipts, but the emergence of new buyers is an opportunity to secure long-term contracts outside the EU.
"In 2025 the industry maintained high export activity despite a 38% reduction in shipments to foreign markets compared with 2024, when a historic record of sugar exports from Ukraine was set — 746,000 tonnes"
— Yana Kavushevska, head of the association «Ukrtsukor»
What’s next
In the short term the industry needs to work on logistics, quality standards for new markets and mechanisms to insure against payment risks. From the state’s perspective — support for exporters and negotiations to lift or soften trade restrictions with the EU are important. The practical question remains: will this temporary reshuffle turn into a sustainable diversification of markets and stable foreign-currency inflows, or will the industry again become vulnerable if market conditions change?
