In 2024, Ukrainian sea ports became a key channel for exporting agricultural products, accounting for 71% of the country’s total agricultural export volume. In comparison, in 2021, 94% of agricultural products were transported through sea ports, but in 2022, this figure sharply fell to 53% due to the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine.
This is reported by Business • Media
The Role of Alternative Export Routes
In 2022, the share of cargoes sent through Danube ports increased to 20%, while the role of land routes, known as the European Union’s “Solidarity Lanes,” grew to 25%. By 2023, Danube ports significantly strengthened their importance as an alternative export route — their share reached 36%, while sea ports accounted for 38% of agricultural exports, and the “Solidarity Lanes” provided 24%.
In 2024, thanks to the restoration of full operations at sea ports, Ukraine regained effective logistics for bulk cargoes. However, the export of finished and packaged agricultural products remained dependent on alternative routes: the “Solidarity Lanes” accounted for 15% of exports, while Danube ports contributed 13%.
Restoration of Soybean and Rapeseed Exports
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a mechanism that allows farmers to export their homegrown soybeans and rapeseed without having to pay a 10% export duty. From now on, exporters can confirm their producer status with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, opening up the possibility for the restoration of exports of these oilseed crops.
The Ukrainian maritime corridor in 2024 provided 71% of agricultural exports, while in 2021, the share of sea ports was 94%. The sharp decline in maritime cargo turnover occurred in 2022 due to the full-scale war.