Summing Up Ukraine’s Summer Agricultural Exports: Challenges Faced, but Situation Could Have Been Worse
Last summer proved to be one of the most challenging periods for Ukraine’s agricultural sector due to external shocks and internal issues that significantly affected export volumes of agri-products.
Despite a series of adverse factors — from abnormal droughts in the south of the country, delayed harvests, and overall reduced yields of early grains, to trade restrictions imposed by the European Union which included the abolition of preferences and the introduction of export quotas — Ukrainian farmers and traders managed to avoid the worst-case scenario thanks to some positive market conditions.
The current global price environment remained relatively stable and favorable for Ukraine.
Since the end of summer, exporters have demonstrated some revival in shipments, reflecting the results of recent months.
According to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, in August, Ukraine’s agro-industry exported about 4 million tons of products, which is 15.6% more than the previous month.
Overall, from July 1 — the start of the new marketing season — to the first decade of September, Ukraine exported over 4.6 million tons of grains and legumes, which is 3.3 million tons less than last year’s figures for the same period.
The dominant export remains wheat — nearly 3.1 million tons, which is over a million tons less compared to the same period in 2024/2025 season.
Additionally, around 700 thousand tons of barley and about 900 thousand tons of corn were exported, which is three times less than last year.
These figures clearly illustrate that despite numerous challenges and restrictions, Ukrainian farmers and traders have been able to maintain stability and adapt to evolving conditions, offering hope for a gradual recovery and future growth of Ukraine’s agricultural exports.