Ukraine exported 69,000 tonnes of milk and dairy foods in January through March 2015, with an annual export potential projected at 300,000 tonnes, the interagency ad hoc group under the Ukrainian Economic Development and Trade Ministry has said.

In particular, 47,000 tonnes of milk and diary products were supplied to the Crimea free economic zone, while annual supplies are projected at 240,000 tonnes, the group said.

Milk and dairy foods production in Ukraine in the first quarter of 2015 amounted to 2.04 million tonnes with annual production estimated at 11.34 million tonnes. Milk and dairy imports in the first three months stood at 20,000 tonnes, annual imports have been forecasted at 200,000 tonnes.

Meat exports from Ukraine in the three months totaled 44,000 tonnes with the annual forecast being 260,000 tonnes. In particular, Ukraine exported 7,000 tonnes of beef, 6,000 tonnes of pork, and 30,000 tonnes of poultry. Supplies to the Crimea free economic zone in the first quarter of 2015 are estimated at 14,000 tonnes with an annual forecast of 50,000 tonnes.

During the period under review, Ukraine produced 569,000 tonnes of meat, including 59,000 tonnes of beef, 224,000 tonnes of pork, and 284,000 tonnes of poultry. The ministry predicts that in 2015 Ukraine’s meat output will be 2.44 million tonnes, including 410,000 tonnes of beef, 775,000 tonnes of pork, and 1.215 million tonnes of poultry.

From January through March Ukraine imported 31,000 tonnes of meat with an annual forecast of 169,000 tonnes.

en.interfax.com.ua