The capacities of neighboring countries for Ukrainian grain are now 100% loaded, — Vysotskyi

At the same time, the largest alternative destination for Ukrainian agricultural products currently remains Romania.

The capacities of Ukraine’s neighboring countries for transshipment of agricultural products are now fully loaded with their own harvest. This was stated by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi, writes Elevatorist.

Because of this, opportunities to increase the export of Ukrainian grain via western routes will appear after the end of the peak export season in these countries.

According to him, in July-August, the capacities of neighboring countries are actually scheduled for their own products.

The first additional opportunities for Ukrainian cargo may appear in September, and a significant expansion of throughput capacity is expected after the end of the peak season, which in most countries falls on July-October.

Vysotsky noted that the situation is different from 2022. Then in March, at the end of the marketing year, the capacities of neighboring countries were loaded by about half, which allowed for a faster redirection of Ukrainian agricultural exports after the start of a full-scale war.

The largest alternative route for Ukrainian agricultural products remains Romania. Together with Moldova, this route accounts for about 70% of the transportation of Ukrainian agricultural products in western directions. Another 15–20% goes to Poland, the rest to other countries.

According to the minister, routes through Slovakia and Hungary are currently less competitive in terms of cost.

At the same time, Moldovan railways stated that Ukrainian grain does not displace local farmers.