From 1 to 18 August, Ukrainian exporters shipped 900,000 tons of agricultural products. This is only 31% of the volume that could have been exported if the logistics infrastructure had been operating smoothly. This was reported by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi at a briefing on Thursday, 20 August, according to Interfax-Ukraine.
The largest decline was recorded in the export of grain crops. During this period, 522,000 tons of grain were exported, which is only 20% of the required volume. The export of oilseeds amounted to 163,000 tons, oils — 128,000 tons, and meal — 86,000 tons. In these areas, the export rates correspond to the balance indicators, noted Taras Vysotskyi.
Changes in logistics and profitability
Alternative routes can ensure the export of oilseeds and their processed products. However, the situation with grains is somewhat different: alternative routes are used to export products from the border regions.
The minister also added that due to changes in logistics, the cost of transportation has increased by approximately 50 dollars per ton. Given this, the export of oilseeds and their processed products remains profitable, while the export of grains, except for products from the border regions, is unprofitable.
Export routes and risks
From 1 to 18 August, 45% of agricultural products were exported by farmers via the Danube, another 45% by rail, and 7–8% by road transport.
It was previously reported that the increase in the number of Russian attacks on Ukrainian seaports and vessels could lead to a reduction in monthly grain exports by almost a third. In addition, terminal operators are suffering increasing losses, which, according to them, they cannot cover on their own.
