Ukraine’s Vysotsky outlines measures to help Ukrainian farmers withstand seaport export halt

Market participants are not showing signs of panic or excessive pessimism despite the suspension of exports through Ukraine’s deep-sea ports. The government and the private sector are working together on measures that will help farmers and exporters navigate this period. All available tools will be used to keep the situation under control until seaport exports resume.

Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Taras Vysotsky, made the remarks during a meeting with journalists.

“It is not a repeat of 2022. We are much better prepared now, with alternative export routes, more effective military solutions and stronger protection systems. Our alternative export corridors — the Danube route and dry ports along the western border — can handle up to 2.5 mln tons of agricultural exports. The infrastructure is already in place and logistics have been established. Of course, these routes are more expensive, but they are available,” Vysotsky said.

According to the minister, low water levels on the Danube currently prevent the route from operating at peak capacity. Normal traffic through the Danube ports is expected to resume in November, when water levels recover.

Vysotsky also said that Ukraine is already holding talks with international partners on supplying grain storage bags.

“We could potentially face delays involving 10–12 mln tons of grain, so we are planning temporary storage capacity for these volumes,” the minister said.

Tags: restrictions, Danube ports, Ukraine, export, agricultural products, grain storage