Ukraine's potato starch consumption has dropped from 12,000 tons to around 8,000 tons following Russia's full-scale invasion. Serhii Lazar, acting director of PBP 'Vymal', noted that since the 1990s, Ukraine has struggled with 'gray' imports and subsidized Western European starch, which made it difficult for local producers to compete. However, the reduction in 'gray' imports over time has led to fairer market conditions and the development of modern production facilities in Ukraine.