In the first quarter of 2025, Ukrainian seaports managed to handle 23 million tons of cargo, despite ongoing shelling and threats from the Russian Federation. The brave efforts of port workers, along with the contributions of the Ukrainian military and naval forces, enable the continued operation of this vital infrastructure. In a press release from the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA), it is noted that the largest share of cargo flow is attributed to the ports of Greater Odesa, which processed 20.7 million tons of cargo.
This is reported by Business • Media
Main Ports and Their Cargo Turnover
- Port of Pivdennyi — 10.6 million tons
- Chornomorsk Port — 6.6 million tons
- Odesa Port — 3.5 million tons
Additionally, over 2.3 million tons of cargo passed through the ports of the Danube region — Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaisk. In comparison, in the first quarter of 2024, Ukrainian seaports handled 27.8 million tons of cargo, which is 4.8 million tons less than in this period of 2025.
“The main reasons for the decline were the reduction of sown areas and a decrease in production in export-oriented industries, particularly metallurgy, which exported up to 80% of its products before the full-scale war,” notes USPA.
Impact of Global Processes on Ukrainian Exports
Against the backdrop of global instability, disruptions in logistics chains, and fluctuations in raw material markets, the overall volume of global transshipment is also decreasing. Nevertheless, Ukrainian ports remain a critically important element of the country’s logistics system, ensuring exports, imports, and economic stability. By the end of 2024, Ukrainian seaports handled 18.5 million tons of ore cargo, and the total cargo turnover reached a record 97.2 million tons, of which exports accounted for 88.1 million tons.