From July to December 2025, the volume of Ukrainian corn exports decreased to 5.9 million tons, marking the lowest figure in the last seven years. In comparison, during the same period last season, Ukraine shipped 9.8 million tons of this crop to foreign markets. Such low export rates were last recorded in the 2017/2018 marketing year, when by the end of December, exports totaled 5.5 million tons.
This is reported by Business • Media
Impact of Russian Attacks on Export Logistics
The significant decline in exports is primarily due to systematic shelling of railway infrastructure by the Russian Federation. Throughout the calendar year, Ukraine’s railways suffered over 800 attacks, severely complicating logistical operations. As a result, the delivery time for goods to ports increased from two to three days to 10 to 20 days, and transportation costs rose due to the necessity of using generators at elevators and terminals.
Despite the challenging conditions, the main importers of Ukrainian corn remain Turkey (1.5 million tons), Italy (1.3 million tons), the Netherlands (430,800 tons), and Spain (397,500 tons).
Decline in Ukraine’s Share of the EU Market
An additional factor contributing to the slowdown in exports has been Russian strikes on port infrastructure, as well as delays in harvesting due to unfavorable weather conditions. This has led to a significant reduction in Ukraine’s share of the European Union’s imported corn market — over the year, it decreased from 56% to 26%, or from 5.78 million tons to 2.15 million tons. Brazil and the USA have filled the vacated niche.
“The delivery time to ports increased from two to three days to 10 to 20, and logistics costs rose due to the forced use of generators at elevators and terminals.”
As of January 8, 2026, Ukrainian farmers have harvested 28.7 million tons of corn from 91% of the planted area.