10 million tons of vegetables; number 16 worldwide
Ukraine is a pretty big producer of vegetables. Annually, some 10 million tons of vegetables are being produced, making Ukraine the number 16 producer, worldwide. The production of fruit amounts to about 2.7 million tons annually, which in turn puts Ukraine at number 53 worldwide. Over a longer period, the production of fruit has been decreasing while that of vegetables remains fairly stable. The main products grown in Ukraine are: tomatoes, cabbage, pumpkins, apples, onions, cucumbers and carrots.
One million tons of fresh fruit imported; mainly citrus and dried fruits
In terms of international trade in fresh fruits and vegetables, Ukraine is primarily an importing entity. After imports declined somewhat after the invasion of Crimea in 2014, they have grown again in recent years to just under 1 million tons. Imports of fresh vegetables have been markedly larger than before in recent years but with some 200,000 tons, these are still modest. Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Ukraine stand at around 60,000 tons of fresh fruits and 70,000 tons of fresh vegetables in 2020.
Many processed fruits and vegetables exported
Ukraine is a very modest exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables. More processed products are being exported. The main product groups are: dried vegetables, in particular peas (export value 110 million euros), frozen fruits (export value 100 million euros), shelled walnuts (85 million euros), fruit juices in particular apple juice (65 million euros) and processed tomatoes (65 million euros).
Imports from many countries; Turkey is most important
Ukraine imports fresh fruits and vegetables from many countries. Turkey was the main supplier with over 360,000 tons in 2020. At some distance, Ecuador is the number two with 185,000 tons. Then we get Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Poland, Spain and Columbia. The Netherlands came in at number 11. Bananas are by far the most important import product followed by tangerines, oranges, tomatoes, lemons, peaches/nectarines, grapes and persimmons.
The Netherlands: mainly re-exports of fresh fruit
According to Eurostat, in 2021, 190,000 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables were exported to Ukraine by EU countries, with a value of 165 million euros. Poland was by far the most important here, with
110,000 tons, followed by Greece with 31,000 tons (-44% vs. 2020) and the Netherlands with 24,000 tons. The assortment from the Netherlands is very broad. Set onions are the most important
product, with export numbers of 4,000 tons in 2021. These are followed by avocados, pears, mangoes, pineapples and oranges. In short; there are a lot of re-exports.
EU: Very modest imports from Ukraine
The EU imports very little in the way of fresh fruit and vegetables from Ukraine. Last year they amounted to 45,000 tons. Romania was the main buyer, followed by Poland. Onions were the most important product, followed by watermelons.
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For more information:
Jan Kees Boon
Fruit and Vegetable Facts
Tel.: +31 654 687 684
fruitvegfacts@gmail.com
www.fruitandvegetablefacts.com