Download App

[Ukrainian Grain Exports Rebound in October, Black Sea Port Blockages Still Limit Scale] ⑴ Ukraine's State Railways said on Thursday that grain export shipments in October increased by nearly 20% compared to September, but due to continued blockages at Black Sea ports, this volume is still less than half of the same period last year. ⑵ Seaports that previously handled about 90% of grain exports have been effectively blocked since the end of July, and export routes have shifted to smaller Danube River ports and border crossings. ⑶ The company said the security situation has deteriorated, with substations and locomotives attacked almost daily over the past two weeks, adversely affecting train speeds and cargo delivery times. ⑷ Between October 1st and 6th, approximately 177,000 tons of grain were exported, of which about 166,000 tons were shipped to border crossings in Eastern European countries, an increase of over 30% compared to the same period in September. ⑸ The amount of grain shipped to Danube River ports decreased by about 65% to 14,500 tons, but the company said it will increase deliveries later this month. (6) The company also stated that grain export shipments in September increased by over 20% compared to August, reaching 814,000 tons. (7) However, vegetable oil export shipments since October have decreased by over 17% compared to September, reaching 29,200 tons; the company did not explain the reason. (8) Ukraine's main agricultural association stated this week that intense competition from lower-priced Russian sunflower oil weakened foreign purchases of Ukrainian sunflower oil in October. (9) The combination of route changes and security risks has increased logistics costs and reduced efficiency for Ukrainian grain exports. The recovery pace of deliveries at Danube River ports and changes in border crossing capacity will be closely monitored.