The Rivne region, nestled in western Ukraine, is making waves in the world of international trade. Over the first seven months of 2025, businesses in this area have ramped up both exports and imports, with numbers that signal both growth and new challenges. According to data released by the Main Department of Statistics of Rivne Oblast and reported by Biznes.Rayon, the region exported goods worth $391.3 million—a figure that marks an 11% rise compared to the same stretch in 2024. But as impressive as that sounds, imports have surged even more, reaching $544.8 million, a hefty 36.6% jump year-over-year.
So, what’s behind these shifting numbers, and what story do they tell about Rivne’s place in the broader global economy? For starters, it’s clear that Rivne’s trade partners are a diverse bunch. In total, the region’s businesses traded with partners from 108 countries, a testament to the area’s wide-reaching commercial ties. Yet, a closer look at the numbers reveals a few key players who dominate the trade scene.
On the export side, Poland leads the pack by a significant margin, accounting for 20.1% of all goods shipped out of Rivne. Germany follows with 9.1%, then the Netherlands at 7.7%, and both Italy and Lithuania at about 6.5% each. Altogether, these European partners form the backbone of Rivne’s export market. In fact, exports to European Union countries made up a whopping $323 million, or 82.5% of the region’s total exports during this period. That’s not just a big slice of the pie—it’s almost the whole dessert. Compared to the same period in 2024, exports to the EU increased by 10.8%, showing that Europe’s appetite for Rivne’s goods is still growing.
But what exactly is Rivne sending abroad? The answer is rooted in the region’s natural resources and industrial strengths. Timber and wood products are front and center, making up 39.4% of all exports. This is hardly surprising, given the area’s rich forests and long tradition in woodworking. Next up are food products, which account for 17.1%. These include a variety of agricultural goods, reflecting the region’s fertile land and strong farming sector. Animal fats and oils—both animal and plant-based—make up 9.2%, while items made from stone, gypsum, and cement round out the list at 7.7%. It’s a mix that speaks to both tradition and adaptability, as local businesses respond to changing market demands at home and abroad.
One interesting detail noted in the report: Rivne exported 8.9 tons of poultry meat during this period. While this might seem like a small footnote, it’s a sign of the region’s growing role in the agri-food sector, which could become more significant as global food supply chains continue to evolve.
Turning to imports, the story takes on a different flavor. China emerges as the top source, supplying 20.3% of all goods brought into the region. Germany is close behind at 14.1%, followed by Poland at 12%, and the United States at 7.1%. Imports from the European Union reached $304 million, representing 55.8% of the total and marking an 18.7% increase from the same period last year. This uptick in EU imports is a reminder of just how interconnected Rivne’s economy is with Europe’s industrial giants.
So, what are Rivne businesses buying from abroad? The list is dominated by big-ticket items: ground transportation equipment, aircraft, and floating vessels make up 33.5% of imports. Machinery, equipment, and electrical appliances follow at 20.5%, while polymer materials, plastics, and related products account for 10.8%. Items made from stone, gypsum, and cement come in at 6.1%. These figures highlight the region’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities, as well as its reliance on global supply chains for critical machinery and materials.
Yet, beneath the surface of these impressive trade numbers lies a growing challenge: the region’s trade deficit. For the first seven months of 2025, Rivne’s negative trade balance stood at $153.5 million. That’s a substantial jump from the $46.5 million deficit recorded in the same period last year. The coefficient of coverage—essentially, the ratio of exports to imports—dropped to 0.72 from 0.88 in 2024. In simple terms, for every dollar’s worth of goods exported, the region imported about $1.39 worth of goods. This widening gap is something local officials and business leaders are watching closely, as it could have long-term implications for the region’s economic stability.
Why the growing deficit? Part of the answer lies in the rapid increase in imports, especially high-value items like transportation equipment and machinery. These purchases are often necessary investments for economic development, but they also mean more money flowing out of the region than coming in. Meanwhile, while export growth is steady, it hasn’t kept pace with the surging demand for imported goods and technology.
Still, there’s an upside to this story. The very fact that Rivne is importing more advanced equipment and materials could signal a region in transition—one that’s modernizing its industries and preparing for future growth. The rise in exports, particularly to the European Union, suggests that Rivne’s products are competitive on the international stage, especially in sectors like timber, food, and construction materials.
It’s also worth noting the sheer breadth of Rivne’s trade connections. Doing business with 108 countries is no small feat, and it speaks to the region’s resilience and adaptability in a turbulent global market. As international trade faces headwinds from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, Rivne’s ability to maintain and expand its network of partners is a real asset.
Looking ahead, the region faces both opportunities and risks. The challenge will be to balance the need for imported technology and goods with efforts to boost local production and exports. Policymakers may need to consider strategies to support industries with high export potential, while also encouraging investment in sectors that can reduce the reliance on costly imports.
For now, though, Rivne’s trade story is one of growth, ambition, and a bit of caution. The numbers tell a tale of a region eager to connect with the world, even as it navigates the complexities of an ever-changing global economy. As local businesses look to the future, they’ll be watching the trade balance closely—hoping to turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes.
