Ukraine and Germany discuss joint solutions to support agro-exports amid port blockade

Preserving the harvest, ensuring its export to international markets, and supporting global food security are Ukraine’s key tasks under the blockade of seaports. Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Vysotskyi stated this during an online meeting with Alois Rainer, Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Regional Identity of the Federal Republic of Germany.

According to Taras Vysotskyi, in 2026 Ukraine expects to harvest about 80 million tonnes of grain and oilseeds, of which around 60 million tonnes are planned for export. At present, alternative logistics routes allow for the export of about 30 million tonnes. However, these cannot replace maritime routes, and their high cost creates additional financial burdens for Ukrainian producers and exporters.

“We are doing everything to restore alternative logistics. But its cost is about EUR 50 per tonne higher, which makes exports unprofitable for Ukrainian farmers. Therefore, we are seeking mechanisms together with importing countries to compensate logistics costs, so that Ukrainian products can continue reaching international markets and countries that need them,” Taras Vysotskyi emphasized.

He noted that until full maritime exports are restored, proper storage of the new harvest must be ensured. Preliminary estimates show Ukraine needs temporary storage capacity for about 10 million tonnes of agricultural products. Ukraine has already appealed to international partners, including EU member states, for assistance.

Taras Vysotskyi thanked Germany for supporting Ukraine’s agro-sector and developing alternative export routes. In particular, within the European “Solidarity Lanes” initiative and with German support, new phytosanitary and veterinary laboratories were opened in Izmail. These strengthened the capacity of the Danube cluster to facilitate Ukrainian agro-exports.

The parties also discussed Ukraine’s European integration. Taras Vysotskyi noted that Ukraine continues working to meet all necessary requirements and be ready to join the European Union, expecting the opening of Negotiation Cluster 5, which covers agricultural policy and food.

Mr Alois Rainer expressed support for Ukraine and its agricultural sector. He stated that Germany wiould consider ways to assist with Ukrainian agro-exports under the blockade of traditional maritime routes caused by systematic russian attacks on port infrastructure.

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue dialogue on trade, logistics, exports, and European integration of Ukraine’s agro-sector. Vysotskyi and Rainer plan to hold a bilateral meeting during the EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries (AGRIFISH) in September 2026.