February 10 2004, 15:31 APK-Inform

Livestock products export increased in 2003 and is seen to rise in 2004 as well - AgMin official

Export of livestock products from Ukraine in 2003 increased from the previous year, Ukraine's Deputy Agrarian Policy Minister Yuri Melnyk has told reporters today.

In the past year the country exported 54,000 tonnes of cheeses (by 20,000 tonnes more than in 2002), 135,000 tonnes of beef (by 20,000 tonnes more), 11,000 tonnes of pork (in 2002 the export was negligible - less than 1,000 tonnes), 68,000 tonnes of condensed milk (by 10,000 tonnes more).

"The export in 2003 became structured. We are starting to sells those commodities, which are wanted on a long-term basis", Melnyk said.

The export is projected to rise in this year too, the official said. He said Ukraine had good chances to increase the export thanks to several factors.

"We have to use at full measure the beneficial veterinary situation, taking shape now in our country. No increase of livestock products output is forecast on the global scale, as they will not be imported from many countries of Asia due to quarantine", he said.

In the past year the products of Ukrainian livestock industry, which enjoyed demand in the export market, were cheeses, canned milk products, frozen and cooled beef. Export of sausages also increased significantly. In the next period the demand might significantly increase for dry milk.