Kherson region's exports collapsed, imports grew at a record high: what was traded in 2024

In 2024, Kherson region's exports decreased by almost a quarter, while imports more than doubled. The bulk of exports were grains and oilseeds, while the lion's share of imports were machinery, equipment, and chemicals.

This is evidenced by data from the Department of Statistics in the Kherson region.

In 2024, the foreign trade balance of the Kherson region was significantly in deficit - exports amounted to only USD 16.5 million, while imports reached USD 48.3 million. Compared to 2023, the volume of exports decreased by 23.5%, while imports increased by more than two and a half times - by 137%.

Agricultural products traditionally accounted for the largest share of exports - almost 50% were plant products ($8.2 million), including grain (26% of exports), oilseeds (21.3%), and vegetables. Fats and oils also remain a significant export commodity, accounting for 17% of the total.

At the same time, imports of chemical products increased sharply and reached $6.8 million (14.2% of all purchases). The supply of organic and inorganic chemicals, detergents, and essential oils increased significantly.

Purchases of machinery and electrical equipment reached a record high of over $21.9 million (45.5% of imports). In particular, electric machines worth $13.5 million and various industrial equipment worth $8.4 million were imported. Deliveries of transportation increased significantly ($7.1 million), with land vehicles accounting for the largest share.

There was also a notable increase in textile imports - over $5.2 million, or 10.8% of the total. In particular, knitted fabrics, finished goods, and clothing were actively imported.

The least exported were highly processed goods - finished products, chemicals, machinery, or textiles. At the same time, imports of products from these sectors grew. This indicates that the region's exports remain focused on raw materials and dependence on foreign supplies of high value-added goods.

In 2024, companies in the Mykolaiv region exported goods worth $880.3 million, down 12% from 2023. Imports also decreased by 6.2% to $510.3 million. As a result, the region had a positive balance of $370 million: exports exceeded imports by 1.7 times.

Overall, exports in Ukraine grew by 10% last year. The IT sector and the agricultural industry provided the largest revenues. Goods brought in $32.25 billion, or 70% of total exports, and services brought in another $14.09 billion. Food products and raw materials for their production accounted for more than 44% of the export structure, which is 14% more than in 2023.

Анна Літман