The Spanish egg market has come under the spotlight after Ukraine sharply increased its exports to EU countries in 2025. For Spanish producers and retailers, this development is more than just another statistic; itβs a factor that could shift the balance of power in the market. With domestic production across the EU facing serious challenges, Ukrainian suppliers have filled the gap, and this is already evident on supermarket shelves and price tags.
Consumers in Spain, accustomed to stable choices and prices, have suddenly encountered new brands and changes in the product range. Many were surprised to discover that a significant portion of eggs now comes from Ukraine rather than traditional European producers. This has raised questions about quality, safety, and the long-term consequences for the local industry.
Record Volumes
In 2025, Ukraine increased its egg exports by 65.6% compared to the previous year, reaching 2.05 billion units. The growth in monetary terms was even more impressive: exports brought Ukrainian companies $201.9 million, nearly three times more than the year before. Spain became the largest buyer, accounting for 16.4% of total exports, followed by the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia, and Israel.
The export of egg products also showed positive dynamics: the volume increased by 2.6%, and revenue by 40.3%. The biggest importers of these goods were Latvia, Italy, Poland, and Denmark. As a result, the share of EU countries in Ukraineβs egg export structure reached 73.4%, and for egg products, 92.6%. For the European market, this not only means increased competition but also new challenges for domestic producers.
Causes and consequences
The main reason for the sharp rise in imports from Ukraine, experts say, is a drop in egg production in EU countries. The epizootic situation affecting European poultry farms last year led to supply shortages and higher prices. In this context, Ukrainian suppliers were able to quickly ramp up volumes and offer competitive prices, which drew the attention of major European importers.
In Spain, this development has caused concern among local producers, who fear being edged out of the market and seeing reduced incomes. At the same time, consumers have gained a wider range of options, although questions about product quality and origin remain relevant. Some experts note that such rapid changes could have long-term consequences for the entire sector, including a possible decline in investment in local production.
Trade agreements
An additional factor influencing the situation was the extension of trade liberalization between Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The agreement maintains zero import duties on eggs and poultry meat until 2028. This gives Ukrainian producers even more opportunities to expand into the European market and intensifies competition for traditional suppliers from EU countries.
Discussions are already underway in Spain regarding possible support measures for domestic producers and the introduction of additional quality control standards for imported products. However, for now, Ukrainian eggs are taking up an increasingly larger share of the market, and consumers are closely watching changes in prices and selection. The situation may shift several more times in the coming months, and many market participants are expecting further developments.
