More chicken from Ukraine on the European market

The European Union and Ukraine have reached a new agreement on the import of poultry and eggs. The deal is part of a revision of their existing free trade zone. Not everyone welcomes the outcome — particularly in Eastern Europe, where concerns are growing about the impact on local farmers.

More Ukrainian poultry heading our way

Ukraine will be allowed to export up to 120,000 tonnes of poultry meat to the EU each year, up from 90,000 tonnes. The quota for eggs will also rise sharply, from 6,000 to 18,000 tonnes. In return, the EU will be able to export 120,000 tonnes of poultry meat to Ukraine without import duties, a significant jump from the current 20,000 tonnes.

Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania have pulled the emergency brake. They warn that further liberalisation could disrupt agricultural markets and put pressure on local producers.

Trade keeps growing, concerns remain

Despite the unease, trade continues to grow. In the first eight months of 2025, Ukraine exported poultry worth 716 million dollars — an increase of more than 13% compared to the previous year. The Netherlands remains the largest importer with 15.9%, followed by Saudi Arabia (14.8%), the United Kingdom (10.6%) and Slovakia (6.8%). The EU remains the main market, accounting for 83,100 tonnes or 28.2% of total exports.

European support continues

Meanwhile, Europe continues to inject funds into Ukraine’s poultry sector. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided a 5 million dollar guarantee for a 12.256 million dollar loan through Credit Agricole Ukraine. The funding goes to Dniprovska Group, the country’s second-largest poultry producer. The financing is intended to help the company recover from war-related losses and rebuild its production capacity.

Pluimvee.be