Reni and Izmail ports can handle only 15–20% of Ukraine’s agricultural exports

The Danube ports of Reni and Izmail can handle only around 15–20% of Ukraine’s total export volumes, limiting the country’s ability to redirect agricultural cargoes from Black Sea ports. This was stated by Olena Shelest, commercial director of the HarvEast agricultural holding. Due to Russian attacks on shipping in the Black Sea, Ukrainian exporters are becoming increasingly dependent on alternative routes that have lower capacity and significantly higher transportation costs.

According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence, only 21 vessels called at Ukrainian Black Sea ports in August 2026, down 90% from the same period last year. The main reasons for the decline in vessel calls were rising insurance premiums and the constant threat of Russian attacks. Restrictions on deepwater port operations have increased pressure on the Danube route, which cannot fully compensate for the loss of Black Sea export capacity.

Meanwhile, operations at Danube ports are being complicated by low water levels caused by drought and long queues at the Sulina Canal. According to Volodymyr Slavinskyi, trading director at NIBULON, barges that previously carried around 1,500 tons of cargo are now being loaded with only 800–900 tons. As a result, transporting the same volume of agricultural products requires nearly twice as many barges, increasing logistics costs and complicating export shipment planning.

Rising costs are already significantly affecting the economics of grain exports. According to NIBULON, transporting one ton of corn from central Ukraine to Spain cost up to $50 at the beginning of 2026, while current costs can reach $150/t. Thus, transportation costs on some routes have tripled. At the same time, shipping risks remain high, with no guarantees that voyages can be completed safely. Alternative overland routes through Poland and other European countries also involve higher transportation costs.

According to Shelest, around 60% of HarvEast’s sales volumes previously moved through Black Sea ports, but current restrictions are forcing companies to seek more expensive logistics solutions. Rising export costs are reducing farmers’ incomes at a time when they need funds to prepare for the next planting season. As a result, farmers are being forced to cut spending on seeds and fertilizers, creating additional risks for future harvests and Ukraine’s agricultural export potential.

Tags: Ukraine, agricultural exports, Reni Terminal, Izmail port