Grain export logistics prices have risen by 25–35%

Grain exports through the western border crossings are suitable for oilseeds, but show problems with corn and wheat.

Due to the Russian Federation’s attacks on port and railway infrastructure and disruptions in the operation of terminals, the cost of exporting agricultural products in January increased by 25–35% depending on the route. This was stated by TAS Agro’s commercial director Anton Zhemerdeev in a comment to Forbes Ukraine.

According to Zhemerdeev, additional costs for road transport and railways amount to another $1–5/t, for ships – $7–10/t. Against the background of damaged tracks and the worse economics of small sea consignments of 7–10 thousand tons, exports via the Danube in 2026 became unprofitable.

According to TAS Agro, the land route through the western borders can work for non-GMO soybeans, rapeseed and certain niche crops, but is practically not suitable for mass flows of corn and wheat.

After the strikes on the Chernihiv region’s hubs in October, the company changed its contract policy. The exporter switched from urgent shipments to longer contracts in order to plan logistics in advance. So far, TAS Agro has shipped about 80% of the 2025 harvest — 15% faster than last year.

At the same time, Andriy But, director of the foreign economic activity department of the Agrotrade group, noted that the holding began exporting corn back in October so as not to enter the second half of the season with large surpluses. If the security situation allows the current pace to be maintained, the company plans to increase exports in the spring due to better weather conditions.

According to estimates by the analytical department of Forbes Ukraine, the average daily grain export in January 2026 is about 112 thousand tons. This is 17% less than in January 2025.

As USM reported the day before, in 2025, Russia carried out more attacks on Ukrainian railway infrastructure than in 2023–2024 combined.