On September 25, 2025, the conference “Innovative Technologies for Soybean Cultivation: Challenges and Prospects for Agroholdings” took place, organized by BASF with the support of partners ICL and the Ukraine Pulse&Soybean Association (UPSA). The event brought together leading farmers, technology experts, and traders to discuss modern approaches to soybean cultivation and key market trends.
During the panel discussion, Antonina Sklyarenko, President of the Ukraine Pulse&Soybean Association, delivered a presentation entitled “Export Potential of Ukrainian Soybeans: Key Trends and Market Changes in Ukraine.” In her presentation, she emphasized that Ukraine consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 soybean producers and continues to grow its export potential, yet faces a number of barriers.
“The abolition of export duties or the so-called ‘oilseed amendments’ is critically important for stabilizing the market and boosting the export of Ukrainian soybeans. Ukrainian producers are capable of meeting the growing demand for meal and oil in the EU and other countries but require equal access to external markets,” Sklyarenko stressed.
According to Sklyarenko, in the 2024/25 marketing year Ukraine exported more than 4 million tons of soybeans (+26% compared to the previous season). More than 50% of this volume is non-GMO soybeans, highly sought after in Europe, offering significant opportunities to expand deliveries.
Among the key challenges for the sector, the UBSA President highlighted:
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A reduction of sown areas to 2.2 million hectares;
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Decreasing profitability due to export duties;
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A shift of some producers toward other crops;
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Border logistics constraints.
In conclusion, she emphasized that lifting the 10% export duty would enable producers and traders to fully capitalize on the record demand for soy products in the EU and other countries.