Deeper processing of agricultural products can reduce export dependence on ports — opinion

The development of domestic processing of agricultural products will allow Ukraine to increase export revenue without a proportional increase in the volume of cargo that needs to be exported through ports and land borders.

This was stated by Avesterra Group CEO Svitlana Sobipan during the Economic Truth Export Forum, Avesterra Group reports reports.

According to her, in conditions of limited throughput capacity of port infrastructure and land routes, Ukraine should increase the share of products with higher added value in the structure of agricultural exports.

As an example, Sobipan cited the difference between the export value of grain and finished poultry products. Thus, a ton of grain can cost about $200, while a ton of finished poultry products costs about $2,000.

At the same time, she emphasized that these indicators cannot be compared as a direct conversion, since the production of finished products involves additional processing stages.

Sobipan also cited the example of France, where in 2025 processed products accounted for about 77% of the value of agri-food exports. According to the data she provided, exports of raw agricultural products amounted to 19.25 billion euros, and processed products – 64.71 billion euros.

At the same time, according to the head of Avesterra Group, Ukraine does not need to abandon grain exports. Instead, it is worth increasing the share of raw materials that are processed domestically before being supplied to foreign markets.

Among the main obstacles to the development of the processing industry during the war, Sobipan named risks to production capacities and investments, a shortage of personnel, and unstable energy supply.

Recall that earlier the Ministry of Economy stated that Ukraine should increase the share of processed products in agricultural exports.