Ukraine is ready to replace Russia in the Syrian grain market

Ukraine is ready to supply food to Syria after the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. This was stated by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Vitaliy Koval in a commentary to Reuters.

It is noted that earlier Russian and Syrian sources reported that the supply of Russian wheat to Syria was suspended due to uncertainty about the new government and payment delays.

Syria imported food from Russia during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, and with the emergence of a new government in the country, there is uncertainty about the relationship between Damascus and Moscow.

“We have to be with our food where it is difficult. We are open to supplying our food, and if Syria needs food, then we are there,” Koval said.

Ukraine traditionally exports wheat and corn to the Middle East, but not to Syria.

According to traders, in 2023/24 MY, only about 6 thsd tonnes of Ukrainian corn hit the Syrian market out of the total corn exports of 29.4 mln tonnes. However, small batches of grain of Ukrainian origin could have entered Syria from neighboring countries, but they were not reflected in the statistics.

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad, a close ally of Russia, Kyiv expressed its desire to restore relations with Syria.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that Kyiv was ready to “pave the way for the restoration of relations in the future and reaffirm support for the Syrian people.”

Tags: grain, Syria, Ukraine