KYIV, September 25, 2023 – Ukraine’s grain exports in September, spanning from the 1st to the 24th, have sharply declined by 51%, according to data released by the country’s agriculture ministry. The exports during this period amounted to 1.57 million metric tons, a significant drop from the 3.21 million tons recorded during the same timeframe in the previous year.
No specific explanation was provided by the agriculture ministry for this notable decline in grain exports. However, traders and agricultural unions have attributed the decrease to several factors, including the blocking of Black Sea ports and recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports situated along the Danube River.
The agriculture ministry’s data further reveals that Ukraine has exported a total of 6.2 million tons of grain during the 2023/24 July-June season, in contrast to the 7.5 million tons shipped during the equivalent period in the previous season. This export volume comprises nearly 3 million tons of wheat, 2.5 million tons of corn, and 599,000 tons of barley.
Historically, Ukraine has relied heavily on its deep-water Black Sea ports for grain exports. However, an agreement mediated by the United Nations and Turkey, aimed at allowing these exports, collapsed in July when Russia withdrew from the deal. Russia cited unmet demands for easing sanctions on its own grain and fertilizer exports as the reason for its withdrawal.
As an alternative, Ukraine has turned to exporting limited volumes through smaller river ports along the Danube and via land routes to the European Union.
Despite the export challenges, Ukraine’s grain and oilseed harvest for 2023 is expected to reach at least 80 million tons, with the 2023/24 exportable surplus estimated at approximately 50 million tons. The nation continues to navigate complex trade dynamics and disruptions to ensure the flow of its vital grain exports to international markets.