Ukrainian grain exporters, focusing on wheat supplies to European Union countries, have practically lost a significant portion of their traditional markets in Asia and Africa. This has led to a substantial reduction in the share of Ukrainian wheat in these regions, as confirmed by representatives of trading companies.
This is reported by Бізнес • Медіа
Decrease in exports to Egypt and Tunisia
According to market participants, Ukraine has lost about 70% of its wheat export volumes to Egypt. The main reason for this is the shift of most domestic exporters to the European market, which has not only resulted in the loss of profitable contracts but also a decline in trust from Egyptian buyers. In Tunisia, the situation is even more complicated: 75% of imported wheat comes from Russia, the remaining portion from France, while Ukrainian wheat is virtually absent.
“We have lost 70% of the Egyptian market. All Ukrainian exporters have reoriented to Europe. We not only missed the moment when it was profitable to sell to Egypt, but also lost the trust of the Egyptian buyer,”
Additionally, Ukraine has lost its positions in the markets of Sudan and Ethiopia. Experts cite insufficient protein content (12.5%) as one of the main reasons, which is a key requirement for consumers in many African countries, particularly in Kenya and Nigeria.
Challenges in the Asian market and price competition
Significant difficulties have also arisen in Asian countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia. In these markets, Ukrainian wheat has also lost its positions due to the aggressive policies of Russian exporters, who are actively dumping prices and trying to push out competitors. As a result, Ukrainian companies find themselves in a difficult situation, having to lower prices and revise logistics routes, especially in light of new EU restrictions on agricultural imports from Ukraine.
Thus, the shift in focus towards trade with Europe has not only failed to bring the expected benefits but has also significantly impacted the presence of Ukrainian wheat in global markets, particularly in Asia and Africa.