Ukraine Grain Exports Tumble

KYIV, UKRAINE: Agricultural ministry data to say that Ukraine’s grain exports have dropped to 31.8 million tonnes, down 27% so far for the 2022-23 season, entering its second year of war. This is because Russia’s invasion has slowed down agricultural production and infrastructure, both of which had previously significantly contributed to global markets.

About 11.2 million tonnes of wheat, 18 million tonnes of corn, and approximately 2 million tonnes of barley made up the volume thus far during the July-June season. At the same point in the previous season, exports were nearly 43.5 million tonnes. According to the ministry, as of February 27, grain exports had decreased from 5.04 million tonnes during the same time last year to 4.7 million tonnes.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, a deal between Russia and Ukraine mediated by the United Nations and Turkey, unblocked three Ukrainian Black Sea ports at the end of July after a nearly six-month blockade triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

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However, Ukraine has made it clear that it believes Russia is to blame for delaying inspections of ships carrying agricultural goods from Ukraine, resulting in fewer shipments and financial losses. This month, Ukraine urged Turkey and the United Nations to put pressure on Russia to speed up inspections.

Ukraine’s grain output is likely to have decreased from a record 86 million tonnes in 2021 to 54 million tonnes in 2022, making it a major global grain grower and exporter.