President of the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association (UPSA), Antonina Sklyarenko, took part in the 2025 China International Pea Conference and Plant-based Market Congress, held on July 3–4 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, China. The event brought together leading experts, traders, producers, and processors from around the world to discuss the global market potential of peas and the development of the plant-based protein segment in the food industry.
In her address, Antonina Sklyarenko focused on Ukraine’s export potential, particularly new opportunities for supplying Ukrainian peas to the Chinese market.
“We began negotiations with the Chinese side back in 2019, and it has been a long five-year journey. In March of this year, Ukraine officially received approval to export peas to China. Currently, we are conducting video inspections for the Chinese customs administration — preparing materials in full compliance with all requirements. These must be submitted for review by July 31. By August 10, we will provide the list of Ukrainian exporters, after which we expect final approval. We are very hopeful that Ukrainian peas will enter the Chinese market as early as this year,” emphasized the UPSA President.
Sklyarenko also noted that cooperation with Chinese partners is closely coordinated with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By‑Products (CFNA). Meetings and negotiations are ongoing, including at global industry events such as the Pulse 2025 conference in Singapore.
“The opening of the Chinese market will provide Ukrainian peas with access to one of the largest consumer markets in the world,” concluded Antonina Sklyarenko.
The next stage of negotiations with the Chinese side is scheduled for August 19–21, 2025, during the Shanghai Pulses Congress.