One year of the Black Sea corridor: Ukraine exported 43.5 million tons of agricultural products

Exactly one year ago, the first vessel left the port of Odessa and passed through the temporary corridor since Russia’s withdrawal from the “grain agreement” on July 17, 2023. Through the temporary sea route, 2,379 vessels exported Ukrainian cargo to 46 countries during the year of operation. This was reported by the Ministry of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development.

During this time, the total cargo turnover through this route amounted to 64.4 million tons, of which 43.5 million tons were products of Ukrainian farmers.

“Despite the systematic Russian shelling, the Security and Defense Forces continue to provide a sea route for civilian vessels. In addition to the security component, today there are two main instruments for insuring the risks of shipowners whose vessels are sailing to or from Ukrainian seaports,” the Ministry said.

They added that since March 15, 2024, the corridor passing through the ports of Greater Odesa has been operating around the clock, which has increased exports of agricultural and other products by 20%.

According to Taras Vysotsky, Acting Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, the value of agricultural products shipped through the sea corridor is about $9 billion.

“Currently, about 70% of agricultural exports are exported through the Ukrainian grain corridor. This is not much less than it was before the war,” he said.

Tags: Black Sea grain corridor