Ukraine. Grain flows: Steady sea freight, exports up 

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Wheat exports eased in October; this was offset by growing new crop corn shipments. Sunoil and meal shipments nearly doubled.

Rail is the congest point after attacks with daily trains arrivals to the ports being at 35–40 vs 50–55 six months ago. Inland shipping by trucks and rail to the ports are 10–20% more in price, about 200–400 UAH/mt (€4.65–€9.30/mt). CPT Odesa bids for barley firmed in part on higher logistics costs. Inland freight (trucks and rail) most likely remains elevating until the corn deliveries peak is over.

Freight rate now is better balanced 

• Coaster owners struggled to keep last week’s higher freights as tonnage availability improved
• Handysize holds on limited ships and moderate Black Sea demand. Handysize 30 K mt, Ukraine to East Italy – stable at 23–25 $/mt
• Panamax Ukraine to South China  – 45–47 $/mt

Italy was the key destination for Ukrainian corn in October, although MENA demand for corn is considered as promising and capable for all Black Sea-Danube countries. Ukrainian traders use Italy and MENA as the first export outlets.

Logistics and the grain flows

• Increased logistics costs are forcing some farmers to delay sales in the hope that transport prices will reduce seasonally after the corn harvest, particularly in the northern and north-western regions.
• At the same time, the increase in corn supply will put pressure on the railways, possibly leading to local delays and a further increase in transportation costs.
• The share of railways in field-port routes will increase in the second half of the 2025/26 season, particularly after mass corn shipments begin, creating additional pressure on logistics.

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Tags: Ukraine, corn, export, grain, wheat, logistics, edible oils, freight rates