Ukraine exported about 900,000 tonnes of agricultural products in August: Taras Vysotskyi

From August 1 to 18, Ukraine exported 899.6 thousand tonnes of agricultural products, which is about 31% of the potential export volume under conditions of full access to logistics. This was reported by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi during his weekly online briefing with the media.

“The largest reduction in exports was in grain crops. Only 522 thousand tonnes were exported – about 20% of the potential volume. At the same time, exports included 63 thousand tonnes of oilseeds, 128 thousand tonnes of vegetable oils, and 86 thousand tonnes of meals. The main problem now is logistics. For oilseeds, alternative routes more or less allow us to maintain necessary export volumes. With grain, the situation is more complicated: at current logistics costs, exporting grain in many cases becomes unprofitable,” noted Taras Vysotskyi.

He emphasized that despite enemy attacks on distribution centers and certain production facilities, Ukraine has sufficient food supplies for domestic consumption. However, damage to distribution centers may cause short-term delivery disruptions for certain products and temporarily affect the assortment in stores. This is not due to a lack of products in Ukraine, but rather the need to reorganize logistics and redistribute stocks.

“Operating production capacities in Ukraine are sufficient to cover domestic consumption. There is no threat of a physical food shortage. Products will be available in every locality. But for some time, the choice may be narrower than consumers are used to,” stressed Taras Vysotskyi.

There will also be no shortage of buckwheat. Production is expected to be approximately at last year’s level – over 80 thousand tonnes. Prices are likely to remain close to current levels in the near future, though an increase of up to 15% is possible.

In addition, the Minister noted that Ukraine has full access to the EU market for corn exports: there are no customs restrictions limiting Ukrainian supplies. At the same time, the EU is expected to reduce its own corn production, which may create additional demand for Ukrainian products. The key issue remains logistics. About 25 million Tennessee of corn will be available for export, which is sufficient, including to cover the deficit in the EU market.