Ukraine’s agricultural exports remain low: logistics firms are seeking new routes

Article author:

Maksym Kharchenko

Grain & Freight Market Analyst

Ukraine exported only 640 K mt of agricultural products in August, 1-16. This means comparatively slow commodities movement toward alternative export outlets. Regular attacks on vessels and port infrastructure disrupted full-scale operations at the Pivdennyi-Odesa-Chornomorsk ports (POC ports).

Rebuilding in 2026 logistics, which were effective but in 2022-2023, takes time. Low domestic grain prices and other constraints delay farmers’ grain sales. Expensive alternative logistics decrease both farmers’ and exporters’ margins.

The distribution of exports on 1-15 August confirms the growing role of railway routes and the Danube ports. Road transport increased only marginally because high trucking costs continue to limit its competitiveness.

Despite the gradual expansion of alternative routes, exports remain low. If stable deep-sea shipments are not restored, Ukraine may face a shortage of storage capacity when the main corn, sunflower seed (SFS) and soybean harvests enter the market.

Grain bags remain one of the fastest emergency solutions. International partners confirmed $10.5 M in assistance to provide Ukraine with alternative grain-storage capacity, including the purchase of grain bags.

This article is also available to subscribers of ‘BLACK SEA & DANUBE GRAIN’ Weekly Report by UkrAgroConsult.

Request a free a sample report and apply for subscription here.

Be confident with your business and trade strategy based on professional analysis and forecasts of the Black Sea agri market.

Tags: Ukraine, export, grain, agricultural products, logistics, agricultural export, Odesa port, Danube ports