Alternative routes will not replace the export of grain through the Black Sea – an opinion

Alternative routes for the export of grain from Ukraine are unlikely to compare with the Black Sea routes.

This opinion was shared by the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain, writes Ukrinform. The country’s Ministry of Defense recalled that the agricultural sector accounted for 40% of Ukrainian exports before the war.

“Ukraine has succeeded in using alternative ways of grain export, such as river, rail and road; however, it is unlikely that they will be able to match the carrying capacity of the Black Sea export routes,” the message states.

The department also said that the successful export of Ukrainian grain within the framework of the Black Sea Grain Initiative helped to lower world food prices.

During the Grain Agreement, more than 32 million tons of food entered the world market. In addition, the food price index has fallen 23% since its peak in March 2022.

Developing countries especially benefited from lower prices, as well as from direct imports of grain from Ukraine.

“The withdrawal of the Russian Federation from the Black Sea Grain Initiative has led to a reduction in Ukrainian exports, which is an obvious effort aimed at degrading the Ukrainian economy and its ability to support military efforts,” the report says.