Ukrainian agricultural exports may reach 77 mln tons by the end of the year

Ukraine has exported 72.7 million tons of agricultural products in 11 months and plans to reach about 77 million tons by the end of the year. This was announced by Vitaliy Koval, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, during the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Conference “Harvest of Victory”.

“Last year, we exported 67.3 million tons of grains and oilseeds in a calendar year. This year, in 11 months, we have already exported 72.7 million tons, and by the end of the year we expect to reach about 77 million tons. So this calendar year we are seeing export growth,” the Minister said.

According to Koval, Ukraine is approaching the second historical record for agricultural exports. In particular, in 2023, products worth $22.1 billion were exported, and this year it is expected to grow to $24.5 billion.

In addition, Ukraine exported 55% of its agricultural products to the EU (60% last year). The head of the agriculture ministry explained this by saying that the country was opening new and regaining historical markets. This became possible thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which ensure the sustainable functioning of the Ukrainian grain corridor.

Thus, year after year, Ukraine exported the most grain crops, bringing in about $9 billion, followed by sunflower oil. Koval emphasized that Ukraine needs to add value to its exports in order to increase processing and export value-added products.

The minister also shared his plans for the next export season, emphasizing that the primary task of the Ukrainian agricultural sector is to ensure sustainability, rural development and grow products for domestic needs, and export the surplus.

“We will definitely have a harvest, as the area under winter crops is larger than last year. We expect grains and oilseeds to be the leaders. We also focus on processed foods. This applies to confectionery, in particular sugar, where we expect to set records. We are now obliged to remove bureaucratic restrictions in other countries and sign all the necessary permits to access new markets,” Koval added.

Tags: oilseeds, edible oils, Ukraine, export, grain