Ukraine could cover EU corn deficit — Vysotskyi

Ukraine is expected to have around 25 mln tons of corn available for export in MY 2026/27 and could potentially cover the supply deficit in the EU market. This was stated by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi, who stressed that logistics remains the main constraint on realizing this export potential.

According to the minister, Ukraine has full access to the EU corn market, with no tariff restrictions currently limiting shipments. At the same time, EU corn production is expected to decline, increasing the European market’s need for imported grain.

However, Ukraine may struggle to capitalize on this additional demand because of limited export capacity. From August 1 to 18, the country exported only 522 thsd tons of grain, or around 20% of its potential volume. At current logistics costs, grain exports via alternative routes are becoming unprofitable in many cases.

The issue is particularly important ahead of the large-scale arrival of the new corn crop. Ukraine’s substantial export potential will require significant logistics capacity, while restrictions on seaport operations are forcing some cargoes onto more expensive overland and Danube routes.

Thus, lower EU corn production is creating a potentially large market opportunity for Ukraine, but the key issue is no longer the availability of buyers — it is the ability to deliver the grain. According to Vysotskyi, the 25 mln tons of Ukrainian corn available for export would be sufficient, among other things, to cover the deficit in the EU market.

Tags: Ukraine, corn, EU, deficit, Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine