Ukraine corn prices decline despite strong EU demand

Corn purchase prices in Ukraine fell by UAH 100–500/t over the week to UAH 5.5–6 thsd/t EXW in central and eastern regions. Demand remains stronger in western Ukraine, where September delivery bids are at UAH 7–7.5 thsd/t FCA due to traders’ existing supply contracts with EU buyers.

The new-crop harvest is only beginning to gain pace. As of September 21, corn had been harvested from just 1% of the planted area, producing 339.8 thsd tons at an average yield of 5 t/ha, compared with 4.31 t/ha at the start of last year’s harvest.

High logistics costs are adding pressure to the domestic market. Delays at Ukraine’s western borders have extended railcar waiting times to 2–4 weeks, while rail freight from central regions to the border has risen to UAH 2.2–2.7 thsd/t. Truck delivery costs are around UAH 3 thsd/t including VAT.

EU demand for imported corn remains strong. Since the start of the 2026/27 season, EU corn imports have increased by 26.9% y/y to 4.47 mln tons. Shipments from Ukraine doubled to 1.4 mln tons, while Ukraine’s share of total EU imports rose to 31.4%.

The European market is also supported by a lower crop outlook. Coceral cut its 2026 corn production forecast for the EU and the UK by 4.1 mln tons to 48.6 mln tons. However, faster harvesting in Ukraine, the EU and the US, along with rising supplies from South America, could limit further price growth.

Tags: Ukraine, corn, EU, prices