Ukraine has become the top supplier of eggs to the United Kingdom, surpassing Poland and Spain. In the first half of 2025, Ukrainian exporters shipped 8 million kilograms of eggs to the British market, compared to 7 million kilograms from Poland and 4.7 million kilograms from Spain. The data was reported by The Guardian, citing the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Sharp Growth in Imports
Egg imports to the UK have surged dramatically: from around 3,500 consignments in 2023 to more than 10,000 in 2024. Although the total tonnage decreased, the market saw a rise in smaller shipments from regions where caged-hen systems are still common.
Mark Williams, chairman of the British Egg Industry Council, expressed concern that British farmers are being placed at a disadvantage:
“Our producers are being asked to invest in ever-higher welfare standards, while the government leaves the back door open for eggs produced under systems that are banned in the UK. It’s morally wrong and unfair, and the government shouldn’t allow it.”
According to Williams, the caged system, which has been banned in the UK since 2012, remains widespread in Ukraine.
War, Duty-Free Trade, and a Moral Dilemma
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, both the EU and the UK removed tariffs on Ukrainian products to support the country’s struggling economy. This move became a key driver of Ukraine’s export boom.
While Williams acknowledged the humanitarian rationale behind such measures, he warned that this support should not come “at the expense of British farmers.” He also reminded that British retailers have already pledged to phase out caged eggs by 2025, but imports from countries with lower welfare standards could undermine that commitment.
“This promise is weakened when imports from lower-standard countries fill the gap in price-sensitive food service and processing sectors,” Williams said.
He estimated that compliance with British regulations on food safety, animal welfare, and environmental protection adds around 14% to the cost of producing a dozen eggs.
Ukrainian Export in Numbers
According to the Union of Poultry Producers of Ukraine, the top buyers of Ukrainian eggs in the first seven months of 2025 were:
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Croatia — 11.8% of exports;
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United Kingdom — 10.6%;
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Spain — 9.5%.
Total revenue for Ukrainian exporters during this period reached $103.1 million.
Ukrainian exporters are steadily strengthening their position in the European market, capitalizing on the trade opportunities opened by wartime conditions and simplified trade rules with the EU and UK. However, experts warn that this situation could reignite debates around production standards and ethical trade, especially in countries aiming to eliminate caged farming systems.
Analysts note that Ukraine’s success in the British market demonstrates not only the competitiveness of its agricultural sector but also its growing role as a key global food supplier amid the ongoing transformation of the European economy.
