Ukraine and Brazil are considering closer cooperation in biodiesel production as Kyiv looks to expand domestic processing of agricultural commodities and develop higher-value products, UkrAgroConsult reported.
The scope for collaboration was discussed at a meeting involving Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi, First Deputy Minister Denys Bashlyk and Brazilian Ambassador Rafael de Mello Vidal. The talks explored how Brazil’s experience in biofuel manufacturing, technology and regulatory frameworks could help Ukraine develop its own industry.
Brazil’s established biofuel sector and Ukraine’s large agricultural resource base offer potential opportunities for cooperation. Ukraine could explore the use of locally available agricultural feedstocks to support biodiesel production, strengthen domestic processing and generate greater value from its farm output.
Vysotskyi highlighted the need for Ukraine to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities and expand domestic processing. Biofuel manufacturing could form part of this strategy, although the two countries have yet to announce specific biodiesel projects, investment commitments or production targets.
As a possible next step, officials discussed preparing a joint cooperation document, alongside technical consultations, webinars and exchanges of expertise. Participation from businesses in both countries could also help identify practical opportunities for collaboration.
Ukraine’s efforts to develop domestic processing come amid continuing difficulties in shipping agricultural commodities through its Black Sea ports following attacks on port infrastructure. Disruptions to exports have affected the operating environment for Ukrainian farmers and raised concerns over international food supplies. Expanding local processing could provide an additional avenue for using agricultural produce within the country.
The meeting also covered broader agricultural trade, including access for Brazilian animal products to the Ukrainian market and opportunities for Ukrainian pulses and apples in Brazil.
Bilateral trade reached $335.6 million in 2025, an increase of 11.5% year-on-year. Ukraine’s exports to Brazil nearly doubled, rising 97% to $71.1 million. The expanding trade relationship could create a foundation for further engagement in biofuels, including biodiesel, though concrete plans remain at the discussion stage.
