Market
Ukraine is an import-dependent market for raw in-shell almonds (HS 080211), with reported 2023 imports of about USD 7.5 million (1,531,540 kg). The United States was the dominant supplier in 2023, with smaller volumes from Australia and several other origins. Domestic almond production is emerging rather than established; a Ukrainian government grant program explicitly lists specific oblasts where almond orchards are eligible for state support. Ongoing conflict conditions and territory-specific constraints materially shape feasibility for orchard investment and agricultural logistics.
Market RoleNet importer with emerging domestic orchard development (import-substitution focus)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market primarily supplied by imports; nascent domestic orchard development supported by state grants
Risks
Geopolitical Conflict HighOngoing Russia–Ukraine war conditions and territory-specific disruptions can severely affect agricultural operations, infrastructure, insurance costs, and the feasibility of orchard projects in conflict-affected/adjacent oblasts (including oblasts explicitly listed for almond-orchard grant eligibility).Avoid sourcing/investing exposure in high-risk territories; require counterparty contingency plans for routing, storage, and force-majeure coverage.
Supplier Concentration MediumUkraine’s in-shell almond import supply is concentrated, with the United States dominating reported 2023 import value and quantity, increasing exposure to origin-specific price and logistics shocks.Qualify alternative origins and maintain dual-sourcing contracts where specifications allow.
Regulatory Compliance MediumCompliance and integrity risks can arise in certification processes; Ukrainian law enforcement has pursued cases involving alleged improper issuance or trading of export certificates by officials.Use formal application channels, maintain auditable records of all payments and interactions, and conduct third-party compliance checks on brokers/agents.
Documentation MediumChanges in phytosanitary certificate forms and the transition toward electronic phytosanitary certification (ePhyto) can create document-version mismatches that trigger border delays or rejection if not managed tightly.Implement a pre-shipment document control checklist tied to the latest SSUFSCP/IPPC guidance and destination-country requirements.
Policy Eligibility MediumState horticulture grant applications may be rejected for projects located on temporarily occupied territories or territories listed as active combat/occupied/blocked communities under the relevant government rules, directly affecting planned almond-orchard expansion.Confirm land status and eligibility prior to investment and align project location to the grant’s oblast and territory eligibility constraints.
FAQ
Which oblasts are explicitly listed as eligible for state grants to establish almond orchards in Ukraine under the amended horticulture grant program?Under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 520 (23 May 2023) amending the horticulture grant program, almond orchards are listed as eligible in Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Zakarpattia, Kirovohrad, and Donetsk oblasts.
Who were the main suppliers of Ukraine’s in-shell almond imports in 2023 (HS 080211)?World Bank WITS (UN Comtrade) data for 2023 shows Ukraine imported in-shell almonds (HS 080211) mainly from the United States, with smaller quantities from Australia and additional minor suppliers including Uzbekistan, Italy, and Tajikistan.
What were the notable phytosanitary certification changes Ukraine referenced in 2025 that could affect plant-product trade documentation?IPPC country news for Ukraine notes changes to phytosanitary certificate forms effective 1 May 2025 for export/re-export. SSUFSCP also announced Ukraine’s official joining of the international ePhyto system and issuance of electronic phytosanitary certificates, which increases the importance of using the correct current electronic/format requirements for shipments.