UKRAIN – Ukraine doubled its grain exports in July 2024, shipping 4.2 million metric tons of wheat and corn, according to Ukraine’s UGA traders’ union.

This figure represents a significant increase from the 2.1 million tons exported in the same month last year, even as Russian forces intensified attacks on critical Black Sea ports, including Odesa and Izmail.

The export boost is a vital achievement for Ukraine, one of the world’s largest producers of wheat and corn.

Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine regularly exported around 6 million tons of grain per month via the Black Sea. The war has severely disrupted these operations, but Ukraine has managed to maintain a shipping corridor, ensuring that grain continues to reach global markets​.

Ukraine’s success in increasing exports comes despite a series of missile and drone attacks targeting port infrastructure.

The country’s Seaport Authority has reported that, although the attacks have damaged facilities, they have not significantly hindered the movement of goods. Ukrainian air defense forces have played a crucial role in protecting these export routes, contributing to the safe passage of ships despite the ongoing conflict​.

However, the outlook for the 2024/25 season remains uncertain. Adverse weather conditions and the continued impact of the war are expected to reduce overall grain exports. According to agricultural consultancy ASAP, Ukraine’s grain exports could decline by as much as 14.5 million tons, reaching a decade-low of 35 million tons​.

This potential decrease in exports comes at a critical time, as global grain prices have already spiked due to the disruption, exacerbating food insecurity in developing countries​.

The collapse of the UN-backed Black Sea Grain Initiative last year, which had provided a framework for safe exports from Ukraine, has left the international community grappling with its consequences. Rising grain prices are putting additional pressure on countries that rely heavily on Ukrainian grain, particularly in Africa and the Middle East​.

Despite these challenges, Ukraine has continued to find markets for its grain, with recent shipments heading to destinations such as Spain, China, Egypt, and Turkey.

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