Kherson region's trade deficit exceeded $13 million

In the first nine months of 2025, Kherson region reduced its foreign trade: exports fell by 15%, while imports fell by almost a third. As a result, the region was left with a large trade deficit of more than USD 13 million.

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

Kherson region reduced its foreign trade in the first nine months of 2025. Exports fell by 15% and imports by almost a third. The region maintains a significant trade deficit: the negative balance exceeded USD 13 million.

According to statistics, from January to September, Kherson enterprises exported goods worth USD 13.3 million, while imports amounted to USD 26.7 million. Traditionally, the largest share of exports is occupied by plant products - more than half of all supplies. The leaders were cereals, which accounted for 43% of exports, as well as seeds and oilseeds.

At the same time, sales of processed foods increased significantly, by 84% year-on-year. The category is based on products that have undergone some kind of processing or refining: canning, freezing, slicing, sauces, purees, etc., which account for almost a quarter of all exports. The region also continues to supply non-precious metals, textiles, and weapons.

Imports remained significantly higher than exports. The Kherson region was the largest purchaser of machinery and electrical equipment, accounting for more than a quarter of all imports. Chemicals, textiles, and vehicles also accounted for a significant inflow of goods. In particular, imports of vehicles reached more than USD 5 million.

Among certain product groups, imports of mineral products, fertilizers, and explosives increased sharply, by more than 1400%. Plastics, rubber, paper, footwear, and furniture also demonstrate a stable presence among imported goods.

In the geographical structure of exports, Spain, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, and Turkey remain the key partners. Deliveries to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Austria also increased. In contrast, the main sources of imports were China, Germany, Turkey, Vietnam, and the United States.

According to the statistics department, the region has the largest negative balance in trade with China - minus USD 8.6 million, Vietnam - more than USD 1.2 million, as well as with Germany and the United States. On the contrary, a positive balance was recorded in trade with the EU and Moldova.

In 2024, Kherson region's exports fell by almost a quarter, while imports more than doubled. The bulk of exports were grains and oilseeds, while most imports were machinery, equipment, and chemicals. The region's foreign trade balance remained significantly deficient: exports amounted to only USD 16.5 million, while imports reached USD 48.3 million. Compared to 2023, exports decreased by 23.5%, while imports increased by 137%.

Анна Бальчінос