Ukraine exported only a third of its potential agricultural output in August, — Vysotskyi

In the context of Russian attacks on civilian shipping and seaports, the main export channels remain the railway and the Danube.

From August 1 to 26, Ukraine exported 1.42 million tons of grain, oilseeds and their processed products. This was reported by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky.

This is only about a third of the potential volume for this period. In particular, during this period, 822 thousand tons of grain were sent abroad, which is about 21% of the potential export volume. At the same time, supplies of oilseeds, oil and meal meet needs.

The main export channels remain the railway and the Danube – about 600 thousand tons of agricultural products were transported in each direction. Only about 80 thousand tons were exported by road, since this method of logistics remains the most expensive.

According to Vysotsky, limited export opportunities and high logistics costs are already affecting farmers’ plans for the autumn sowing. The government expects a reduction in the area under winter wheat, while it does not predict significant changes in winter rapeseed. Rapeseed sowing has already begun, and the area under winter barley may change slightly.

To support exporters, the government, together with the National Bank, increased the term for the return of foreign exchange earnings on export transactions with grain, oilseeds and products of their processing from 120 to 150 days.

At the same time, lending to the agricultural sector continues to grow. Over the past week, agricultural producers received about UAH 2 billion in loans, and the total loan portfolio of the industry reached UAH 105 billion — UAH 25 billion more than last year.

At the same time, grain exports by rail in August decreased by 67%.