One of the main Ukrainian products may become a deficit

This is reported by the "Economic News".

The number of pigs in Ukraine is gradually decreasing, at the same time the demand for lard grows. In 2017, this led to the fact that this product has become one of the leaders in price growth.

If current trends continue, in 2018 domestic producers will not be able to meet the needs of the domestic market. This year, lard has already appreciably risen in price. According to the State Statistical Service of Ukraine, in mid-November, a kilogram of this product on average cost 68.11 UAH. This is 68% more than in early 2017. For comparison, pork for this time went up by 28%.

Producing fat in Ukraine has become unprofitable. First, in order to keep pigs producers forced to buy feed, which is constantly becoming more expensive. Unlike poultry, it takes quite a long time to grow pigs - at least one year.

Another factor in the growth of prices for lard is the reduction in the number of pigs. As of September 1, 2017 Ukraine, the number of pigs, compared to the same period last year, decreased by almost 10%, to 6.6 million animal units.

"To cover the deficit, Ukraine will have to import lard, primarily from Poland and Germany, where the sebaceous pigs are grown." Experts say that this will not harm consumers' pockets, as pigs are grown in an industrial way abroad, " writes the newspaper.

It is likely that the cost of imported fat will approximately match the prices of the Ukrainian national product now.