Ukraine plans to double exports of poultry meat in 2013

Ukraine exported 18,700 tonnes of poultry meat and poultry by-products in January-February 2013, which is three times higher than the same period of 2012, according to the State Customs Service of the country.

Experts believe that the country could dramatically increase the level of chicken meat exports this year.

According to authorities, in monetary terms exports of these products in January-February 2013 increased to US$32.4 million. At the same time import of poultry meat and poultry by-products decreased by 12% to 10,100 tonnes.

“In 2013, Ukrainian enterprises plan to double the sales of chicken abroad,” stated chairman of the Union of Poultry Farmers of Ukraine, Alexander Bakumenko at a recent press-conference. “Last year we exported 81,000 tonnes, and this year we will be able to export already 140-160,000 tonnes,” he added.

According to him the rise in export will be initialised by increasing the production capacities of the market leaders – Myronivsky Hliboproduct (MHP) and Agromars which have the total share of industrial production of about 50% and 15%, respectively.

Growth in exports, according to the report will be provided through the opening of the EU market, as well as increased supplies of Ukrainian producers to the Middle East countries.