Grain season had a positive impact on Ukraine’s overall exports

In July this year, Ukraine exported $2.969 billion worth of goods, up 9% compared to June.

According to Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative of Ukraine, the physical volume of exports in July was 0.6% less than in June.

“The main reason is the seasonal change in exported crops. The volume of exported corn continues to decline – 1.56 million tons, 44.4% less than in June and 2.5 times less than in the peak month of April, when we exported 4.1 million tons of corn.

On the other hand, we increased exports of wheat and rapeseed. We exported 1.58 mln tons of wheat, which is 44% more than in June. And almost twice as much as in July last year. Back then, we exported 823 thsd tonnes. Ukrainian producers also exported 277 thsd tonnes of rapeseed, which is 13.5% more than in July last year,” said Taras Kachka.

According to him, barley exports are also reviving, with shipments amounting to 580 thsd tonnes in July, almost twice as much as in July last year.

Taras Kachka emphasized that even in a sector that is perceived as purely raw materials, there is always an opportunity to produce goods with a higher price and added value.

“The steel industry also set a record with 219 thousand tons of semi-finished iron products (7207). This is the best figure since the war, +83% compared to June,” the Deputy Minister said.

Exports by mode of transport:

• 6.25 million tons by sea (-0.4% compared to June);
• by rail – 2.609 million tons (-3%);
• 825 thousand tons by road (+5.5%).

“The geographical distribution of exports remains the same. $1.67 billion (56%) falls on the EU, among which the leading buyers of Ukrainian grain are Poland ($358 million), Spain ($190 million), Germany ($178 million), the Netherlands ($147 million) and Italy ($136 million),” added Taras Kachka.

Exports to China decreased by 3.1%, but are still the largest among other (non-EU) countries in the world – $175 million. Exports to Egypt increased by 17.5% to $143 million in July compared to June, to Turkey by 32.7% to $134 million, and to India by 137% to $89 million.

The top 10 non-EU export destinations include the Republic of Moldova ($87 million), Lebanon ($44 million), Algeria ($39.5 million), the United States ($39.2 million), Israel ($39 million), and Indonesia ($38.5 million).

“As for imports, they amounted to $5.3 billion in July. In addition to traditional fuels ($604 million), cars ($306 million), medicines ($156 million), and UAVs ($101 million), we have such significant imports as complex fertilizers ($102 million) and electricity ($120 million),” summarized Taras Kachka.

Tags: Ukraine, corn, export, grain, barley, wheat, rapeseed