The soybean market in Ukraine is currently experiencing not only an increase in production but also a significant reevaluation of its strategies. This was confirmed at the Soybean and Meal Market conference, held on March 27 in Kyiv by the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association and APK-Inform Agency. The event brought together key industry players, government representatives, analysts, and traders.
The conference focused on several pressing issues, including export prospects for soybean meal to China, certification challenges under the new EU directive, the development of the non-GMO segment, and the role of domestic processing as a way to enhance the profitability of agricultural businesses.
Keeping added value in Ukraine
Opening the conference, Oksana Osmachko, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, emphasized that the government considers the sector a priority for creating added value within the country.
" If we look ahead to 2024, we already have reasons to be proud—6 million tons of soybeans and nearly 500,000 tons of peas have been produced. These are significant figures. The focus of today’s conference—enhancing profitability—is extremely relevant. For the Ministry, it is crucial that added value remains in Ukraine rather than being exported as raw materials. We want more processing to take place domestically so that businesses can expand their capacities and export value-added products. This is critically important for the economy. We are ready to collaborate with farmers and processors to achieve this. Our priority is the stable development of the market and supporting high-margin exports," noted Oksana Osmachko.
The Chinese Market Opens New Horizons
One of the key highlights of the conference was China’s official interest in purchasing Ukrainian soybean meal. According to Antonina Sklyarenko, President of the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association, this opportunity has the potential to transform the export landscape of the entire industry.
"China has officially confirmed its interest in buying Ukrainian soybean meal. We simply need to initiate the procedure and start working, and this market will become a reality. As announced at a recent event, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection has already begun the process. We will do everything possible to accelerate market access, as this presents a significant export opportunity for Ukraine.
At the same time, the European market remains a key priority. Ukrainian soybeans are in high demand in the EU, thanks to short logistics routes and fast cash turnover. Poland serves as the first link in this supply chain, creating additional opportunities for small and medium-sized producers who rely on quick payment cycles," said Antonina Sklyarenko.
In addition to soybeans, peas are also a focus, as Ukraine plans to export them to China this year. However, this path may not be easy.
І я прошу всіх — не зволікайте, повідомте Держпродспоживслужбу про ваші площі, про поля. Ми готові до співпраці, аби вчасно провести інспекції та розпочати експорт», - повідомив Вадим Чайковський.
China’s requirements: how to seize the opportunity
Vadym Chaikovskyi, Deputy Head of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, explained, “The protocol signed with China regarding the export of peas has unusually stringent conditions. Unlike previous agreements, this protocol does not simply allow trade to begin immediately. It explicitly states that before any shipments can commence, China’s General Administration of Customs must conduct a remote video inspection of all facilities involved in pea cultivation, processing, and storage.
This means we have another significant step to take. We are currently looking for a non-commercial pilot facility that we can present to the Chinese authorities. All participants in the supply chain —producers, exporters, processors, and storage providers—must be officially registered. If any enterprise is not on the register, the cargo will either be returned or destroyed.
I urge everyone not to delay and to inform the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection about your areas and fields.
I urge all stakeholders: do not delay. Inform the State Service of your fields and production areas as soon as possible. We are fully prepared to cooperate, conduct timely inspections, and ensure a smooth export process," emphasized Vadym Chaikovskyi.
Certification as the key to future growth
Alongside meeting China’s export requirements, Ukrainian producers must also prepare for the implementation of the EU's deforestation directive (EUDR).
Representatives of major agricultural holdings joined the discussion, sharing their practical experience in adopting sustainable production practices and complying with European standards. Tatyana Alaverdova, Head of Sales for Grains, Oilseeds, Pulses, and Niche Products at MHP, provided insights into the industry’s transition:
"As a large holding, MHP has been on the path to sustainable production for a long time. We understand that for smaller producers, this transition is more challenging—that’s why we are here: to support, guide, and provide clear steps forward. We also anticipate further clarifications from the European Commission and are ready to pass this knowledge on to our suppliers. Profile associations play a crucial role in this process. The Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association is already actively working to help producers implement the EUDR requirements."
Ignoring EUDR could mean lost contracts
Failure to comply with the EUDR could cost producers their access to European markets.
"Ukrainian producers need to start preparing now—gathering geolocation data, land ownership documents, and proof of social responsibility. This will help mitigate risks once the EU directive comes into force.
The requirements will be strict, and without proper preparation, businesses risk losing access to the European market. It will be difficult to navigate these changes alone, but with the support of traders and industry associations, compliance is achievable. At Kernel, we are already actively working to meet the new standards. This is a process that requires engagement from the entire supply chain—from farmers to exporters," emphasized Olena Bohusheva, Head of Quality Management Systems at Kernel.
Non-GMO Soy: a profitable niche
Some Ukrainian companies are already thriving in the premium non-GMO soybean market, supplying products certified to European standards. One such company successfully implementing this strategy is TAS Agro Holding.
"In our portfolio, soybeans rank second in profitability, right after sunflower. We work exclusively with non-GMO soy because we see strong potential—not only in sales but also in securing premium pricing.
We are fully prepared to meet any deforestation certification requirements. Our internal analysis shows that out of our 80,000 hectares, less than 1% was ever deforested, and even that happened before 2003. We have already sold our 2024 harvest as fully compliant with European regulations and are confident in our ability to provide all necessary documentation. The market is evolving—certified production is no longer just a trend; it is a necessity," shared Anton Zhemerdieiev, Chief Commercial Officer at TAS Agro Holding.
Частка сої в загальній структурі переробки олійних культур може вперше досягти 14%. Але в другій половині сезону ситуація може ускладнитися через вихід на ринок дешевшої південноамериканської продукції та можливе повернення частини переробників до соняшнику», — зазначила Світлана Киричок, аналітик ІА «АПК-Інформ».
Prices, acreage, and processing: market analytics for the season
Despite last year’s record soybean harvest, 2025 presents new challenges. Lower prices and rising costs are prompting some producers to reduce soybean acreage.
"We anticipate a decrease of 10–13% in the area under soybeans in Ukraine, bringing it down to approximately 2.3–2.35 million hectares. Last year, soybeans were among the most expensive crops, but this year, they are among the cheapest.
However, demand for Ukrainian soy remains strong—both domestically and internationally. This is driving activity in the processing sector, which has already set a record: nearly 1.5 million tons were processed in the first half of the season.
For the first time, soybeans could account for 14% of total oilseed processing. However, the second half of the season may pose challenges, as cheaper South American soybeans enter the market and some processors shift back to sunflower," notes Svitlana Kyrychok, an analyst of the APK-Inform Agency.
Ukrainian soybeans: a key player in the global market
The results from the Soybean and Meal Market Conference indicate that the Ukrainian soybean sector showcases maturity, flexibility, and a commitment to the highest standards. Key factors for further increasing efficiency include the development of processing, opening new markets, and ensuring transparency in the supply chain.
Most importantly, success will come from synergy—a united effort by farmers, processors, traders, industry associations, and the government.