On February 20, 2026, members of the Ukraine Pulse and Soybean Association (UPSA) held a general meeting to review the annual performance report, discuss key achievements, and define strategic priorities for the development of Ukraine’s pulse and soybean sector.
The participants reaffirmed UPSA’s core mission — to promote sustainable development of the sector through expanded global market presence. In the context of global trade transformation, export diversification and expansion into new regions remain top priorities.
“It is important not only to maintain exports but to build a long-term, stable model of Ukraine’s presence in the global pulses and soybean market,” said UPSA President Antonina Sklyarenko.
UPSA will continue to strengthen the presence of Ukrainian agricultural products in the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia — regions characterized by less stringent regulations but higher price volatility, requiring flexible export strategies and close coordination between producers and traders.
Ukraine’s Agricultural Export Structure in 2025
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$10.7 billion — European Union
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$4.4 billion — Middle East
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$2.8 billion — Africa
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$1.7 billion — Southeast Asia
Throughout 2025, UPSA took concrete steps to expand exports, including organizing international industry conferences in Mersin (Turkey) and the United Arab Emirates, which became direct negotiation platforms between Ukrainian exporters and regional importers.
A key milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), establishing a foundation for deeper cooperation with India.
Another strategic focus remains expansion into the Chinese market, where authorities are currently forming a list of approved Ukrainian pea exporters — a critical step toward scaling pulse exports.
In 2025, Ukraine’s pulse sector significantly strengthened its global standing. UPSA President Antonina Sklyarenko was unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC), reflecting strong international confidence in Ukraine’s industry leadership.
Over the past year, 18 new companies joined UPSA, including major agricultural holdings and active traders, significantly strengthening the association’s industry capacity.
Among the new members are: TAS Agro; Akris Agro Group / AST; CFG Trading (Continental); Agrotrade 2022; Vitagro; Ambra Grain; YEDNIST' GROUP , and others.
UPSA also continues active advocacy, including initiating an appeal to revise the 10% export duty on soybeans, highlighting risks of reduced sowing areas and loss of export potential.
Following the meeting, members confirmed their commitment to international expansion, stronger advocacy, and systematic sector development in 2026.