Due to the blockade of Odesa's ports, Ukraine was unable to export 4 million metric tons of grain

Between August and October 2026, Ukraine was unable to export 4 million metric tons of grain due to the de facto shutdown of the ports of Odesa since early August. In total, 4.6 million metric tons of agricultural products were not exported.

This was stated by Denis Marchuk, deputy chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council.

Of the total 4.6 million metric tons of agricultural products that the country was unable to export over the three-month period, approximately 4 million metric tons consisted of grain.

The unsold produce remains within the country. This is putting additional pressure on domestic prices and the financial situation of producers ahead of the planting season.

In total, Ukraine exported 6.5 million metric tons of major agricultural products from August through October. This is 41% less than during the same period last year.

According to Marchuk, a year ago, about 87% of agricultural cargo passed through the ports of Odesa, whereas now it is only 8%.

The bulk of the cargo has shifted to rail and the Danube ports. In August–October, 45% and 37% of agricultural products were exported via these routes, respectively.

Marchuk noted that despite international negotiations aimed at ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, the issue of maritime export security remains unresolved.

According to him, no decision on this issue was reached at the most recent G20 meeting attended by foreign ministers.

As a result, Ukraine will continue to face challenging export conditions, which will affect the economic activity of agricultural producers.

He added that due to marketing problems, declining revenues, and high logistics costs, farms will be forced to reduce the acreage planted with winter and spring crops.

Ірина Глухова