EBN – Despite facing logistic challenges and Russian attacks on vital export routes, Ukrainian agricultural exports rose by 16% in August. Exports amounted to an impressive 4.3 million metric tonnes.
This data, reported by the UCAB agricultural business association, reflects a remarkable increase compared to July.
Within this August export volume, approximately 2.3 million tonnes consisted of grain, while 755,400 tonnes were oilseeds. Furthermore, 548,900 tonnes represented various vegetable oils, and 367,300 tonnes included a diverse range of meals.
Wheat and Sunflower Oil Lead the Way
Notably, wheat and sunflower oil played significant roles in dominating this substantial export volume.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture had previously disclosed that grain exports for the July-June season in 2023/24 had already reached 4.5 million tonnes as of 1 September. Indeed, this announcement marks a notable increase from the 3.9 million tonnes reported by the end of August 2022.
Danube River Ports: Most Efficient for Agricultural Exports
Remarkably, despite the logistical challenges and geopolitical conflicts, the Danube River ports served as the most efficient export route. It also accounted for a huge 64% of Ukraine’s agricultural exports in August.
These achievements come in the wake of Russia’s withdrawal from the UN-brokered Black Sea grain export deal on 17 July.
Russia cited unmet demands for eased sanctions on its grain and fertiliser exports. It also expressed dissatisfaction over the distribution of grain to impoverished countries.
Since then, Russia has repeatedly targeted Ukrainian Black Sea ports and Danube river ports, a move widely seen as an attempt to exclude Ukraine from the global grain market.
