Corn continues to dominate Ukraine’s grain and oilseeds exports: IAE

UKRAINE –  According to Alexander Zakharchuk, head of the Institute of Agrarian Economics (IAE), corn continues to dominate the structure of Ukrainian cereal and oilseed exports, accounting for 96.5% of the total.

Zakharchuk mentioned that for the third consecutive military year, the export volumes of hybrid corn seeds exceeded import volumes.

Zakharchuk also noted that last year, supplies of hybrid corn seeds of domestic and foreign selection from Ukraine to the countries of the world reached a record for the years of Ukraine’s independence at 45.2 thousand tonnes, exceeding the result of 2023 by 6.4%.

In contrast, grain seed imports were only 7.6 thousand tonnes, nearly six times less than the export amounts.

Ukraine’s exports of grain and oilseeds, including both national and foreign seed varieties, reached 122.6 million tonnes in 2024, representing a 2.6% increase compared to 119.5 million tonnes the previous year.

“Thus, Ukraine’s accession to international seed certification schemes during 2011-2020, as well as the recognition by the European Parliament in 2020 of the Ukrainian seed certification system as equivalent to the EU requirements, allowed Ukraine to increase export volumes of national and foreign selection seeds of grain and oilseed crops produced in the country for the fourth consecutive year. Predominantly to the EU countries,” the expert concluded.

For the 2023/24 marketing season, Ukraine’s grain exports totaled approximately 51 million tonnes, an increase from 49.2 million tonnes the previous year.

This early-season surge in exports for 2024/25 demonstrates robust performance amid ongoing challenges like geopolitical tensions and logistical constraints.

Maintaining the ability to increase export volumes is vital for Ukraine, a key global grain supplier, especially in ensuring food security in various regions worldwide.

However, anticipated reductions in crop yields highlight the need for strategic planning to sustain export levels and manage potential impacts on global grain markets.

According to Ukraine’s UGA Traders’ Union, the country doubled its grain exports in July 2024, shipping 4.2 million metric tonnes of wheat and corn.

Despite facing missile and drone attacks targeting port infrastructure, Ukraine has managed to sustain its export capabilities.

Before Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the country routinely exported around 6 million tonnes of grain per month via the Black Sea.

Although the war significantly disrupted these operations, Ukraine has successfully maintained a shipping corridor, allowing grain to continue reaching global markets.

Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.