How Ukrainian IT Export Maintains Its Position in 2025: Analysis by Time for Action
Chas dla diy has analyzed the dynamics of the Ukrainian IT sector, which, despite all the challenges of recent years, continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptation. Ukrainian IT companies have managed to maintain pre-war export volumes, which is a unique case among the largest sectors of the Ukrainian economy. According to the representatives of the IT Ukraine Association, since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion, the export of Ukrainian IT services has almost not decreased. Experts emphasize that IT is one of the few industries from the top five exporters that managed to increase its share of exports abroad by 54.5% in 2019-2024.
Thanks to a focus on the global market and low dependence on local infrastructure, the IT sector avoided a sharp decline and currently provides 37.4% of all Ukrainian service exports and 11.5% of total exports, maintaining these indicators at the level of 2021. The National Bank of Ukraine reports that in the first half of 2025, exports of computer services grew by 0.1%, reaching $3.21 billion. In 2024, IT service export revenue amounted to $6.2 billion (in 2023 $6.0 billion, in 2022 $5.9 billion, in 2021 $6.1 billion). The industry holds the second place in total exports and is among the leaders in GDP contribution.
The Digital Tiger study indicates that in 2024, IT services export accounted for 3.4% of GDP (3.7% in 2023, 4.5% in 2022, 2.7% in 2019). This percentage decrease is explained by the growth of the economy: Ukraine’s GDP rose from $162 billion in 2022 to $192.3 billion in 2024. The share of telecommunications, computer, and information services in service export structure increased from 38.5% ($3.29 billion) to 43% ($3.28 billion), against the background of an overall decline in services exports: in the first half of 2025, it reached $7.62 billion, which is 10.9% less than the previous year ($8.55 billion).
Ukrainian IT companies work in nearly all industries, but in 2024, the greatest demand was seen in FinTech (15.3%), e-commerce & retail (13.8%), several domains at once (12.9%), business productivity improvement (12.6%), HealthTech & Wellness (9.2%), EdTech (8.6%), CyberTech (4.6%), Gaming & Gamedev (4.6%), EnergyTech (4.0%), GovTech (4.0%), Agri Tech (2.8%), Defense Tech (1.8%), and others (5.8%). These trends are expected to persist, as are the key countries that are primary consumers of Ukrainian IT services. According to the National Bank report, the main markets are the USA ($1.14 billion, -6.41% to 2024), United Kingdom ($283 million, +0.65%), Malta ($281 million, +10.82%), Cyprus ($231 million, +31.09%), Israel ($133 million, -13.09%), Switzerland ($127 million, -7.4%), Germany ($118 million, -7.93%), and Estonia ($100 million, +23.79%). The highest growth in computer services exports in the first half of 2025 was to Finland (+49.75%), Latvia (+44.33%), and Luxembourg (+35.43%). At the same time, there was a decrease in exports to Austria (-43.99%) and Georgia (-29.95%).
The number of vacancies in the industry is increasing: in January 2025, 11,000 vacancies were posted on Djinni, and in July 2025 over 7,200 on DOU, both record numbers since the start of the full-scale war. Today, the market is on the employer’s side, with an average of 23 responses per vacancy. However, staff shortages are aggravated by mobilization and the migration of specialists, so companies seek not just performers but strategic players.
In 2025, the most in-demand areas are AI, cybersecurity, AR/VR, gamedev, cloud solutions, data analytics, DevOps, UI/UX, as well as product management and marketing specialists. DefenseTech remains highly popular. The fastest-growing salaries in 2024 were for Data Analysts (+25% compared to 2023), Cybersecurity (+22%), Data Scientist (+17%), Marketing (+13%), Product Owner (+8%).
At the same time, there is a trend of decreasing individual entrepreneurs (FOPs) in IT. In 2022, there were 272,800 FOPs, in 2023 265,000, in 2024 258,200, and as of June 11, 2025 248,500, according to the State Fiscal Service. The main reason is the war, with the most closures in frontline regions. Some decline is also due to specialists joining companies as employees, which is reflected in growing tax revenues: taxes paid increased from $776 million in 2023 to $1.002 billion in 2024, with the largest growth from legal entities providing IT services from $410.4 million to $582.4 million.
The lack of digital solutions limits business productivity, so investments in technology will only grow. The IT Ukraine Association notes that artificial intelligence is no longer a trend but a working tool for Ukrainian IT companies. The challenge is creating an environment where staff can learn, experiment, and integrate AI into their roles. The World Economic Forum reports that 41% of employers plan to reduce staff due to AI, but 77% of companies are willing to invest in employee training for effective interaction with new technologies. Cybersecurity is also critical, as even large corporations remain vulnerable.
Unlike global trends, Defense Tech leads in Ukraine, with Agri Tech being promising.
The war is the main factor determining the development of the Ukrainian IT sector, restraining growth rates that could have been much higher amid the global tech boom. Yet, since the start of the invasion, the IT ecosystem has shown exceptional flexibility: companies adapted business models, enhanced international cooperation and marketing, and became more active in the domestic market.
Special attention is paid to Defense Tech: from drones and communications systems to cyber defense and combat analytics. The sector forms unique expertise in cybersecurity, defense technology, and digital intelligence. In 2024, Defense Tech led venture deals, solidifying Ukraine’s status as a potential global leader in this sector.
By 2030, a key driver of Ukrainian IT will be replacing russian software with domestic products, as over 70% of businesses still use 1C, and more than 40 russian programs are in use. The “Enemy Software” project, launched in 2023, stimulates new solutions and investment.
From 2019-2024, Ukrainian companies received almost $1.5 billion in investments, with major deals: $200 million for Creatio (2024), $90 million for Rentberry (2024), $70 million for Preply (2023), $200 million for Grammarly (2021), $100 million for People.ai (2021). New examples include Kyivstar testing Starlink Direct to Cell, and VEON’s announcement of $1 billion investment from 2023 to 2027.
In 2025, the Ukrainian IT sector is demonstrating stability and strong development potential. In 2026, export growth is expected due to expansion into new markets, especially in the Middle East, where demand for digital solutions is growing rapidly. For competitiveness, Ukrainian companies need to develop proprietary products and services alongside outsourcing, boosting margin and long-term client value. Key areas are global expansion, market diversification, product localization, and partnerships.
Cybersecurity and compliance with international standards remain crucial for customer trust. Rethinking business models, integrating AI, investing in teams and corporate culture enable rapid adaptation and strong market positions worldwide. The Ukrainian IT sector’s ability to withstand shocks and adapt is proof of the country’s potential as a digital powerhouse.
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