Ukrainian grain exports soar despite Russian blockade attempts
16 August 2024 18:42
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said at the government meeting on Friday that more than 2,300 ships entered Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea during the year the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor was operational and that about 44 million tonnes of grain were exported from Ukraine.
“From the first day of the invasion, Russia did everything to block Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea. In this way, the enemy exerted pressure on Ukraine's economy while also putting pressure on our allies, creating a threat to global food security. Therefore, one of Ukraine's greatest victories last year was the opening of the Ukrainian Maritime Corridor,” emphasised Shmyhal.
According to him, more than 2,300 ships entered Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea during the year, the trade turnover amounted to more than 64 million tonnes, and about 44 million tonnes of grain were exported from Ukraine.
All of this had a positive impact on various sectors of our economy and on the economy as a whole. Ukrainian exporters increased physical sales of their goods by 35% in the first half of 2024. We have reached pre-war export levels - emphasized the prime minister.
He stated that this result was possible due to three factors: successful actions of the Security and Defence Forces in the Black Sea, a unique initiative for war-risk insurance for commercial vessels, and the reconstruction of Ukrainian port infrastructure, along with investments in its development.
Grain export from Ukraine in July
On Monday, the Reuters Agency reported that despite Russian attacks on ports on the Black Sea coast and along the Danube, Ukraine exported 4.2 million tonnes of food in July, twice as much as the previous year.
The increase in exports in July was noted despite intensified Russian attacks on Odesa, a key export hub in the Black Sea basin, and Izmail, the main port on the Danube. Ukrainian grain is transported from these two ports.
Last year, most of Ukraine's wheat went to Spain, Egypt, and Indonesia, while corn went to Spain and China. This year's export consisted of wheat and corn from last year's harvest.
