Ukraine's grain corridor is finally starting to take shape as more ships leave Ukrainian ports. In August, total grain exports rose to 4,5 million tons. A record number of ships left Ukrainian ports last weekend.
Grain exports in Ukraine increased by 66% to 4,5 million tonnes in August compared to July. The Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy reported this on September 3. Of this, almost 3 million tons of agricultural product were shipped via the Black Sea. Corn continues to dominate grain exports, with 1,8 million tons of corn exported in August. For comparison: in August 2021, corn exports amounted to 'only' 300.000 tons.
Wheat exports also almost doubled from July, rising from 488.000 tonnes to 900.000 tonnes. That is 25% less than in August 2021, when more than 1,2 million tons of wheat were exported. Furthermore, 624.000 tons of rapeseed were shipped via the grain corridor. Barley, sunflower oil and other agricultural products filled the remaining tons.
Largest ship caravan leaves Ukraine
The number of ships leaving Ukraine is increasing rapidly. While previously several ships per day left the Ukrainian ports, last Sunday, September 4, there were already 13, full of agricultural products. According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Agrarian Policy, the 13 ships transported 282.500 tons of product. This brings the total number of ships that left Ukraine to 86. The ships went to 19 different countries, most of which sailed to Turkey.
For September, the ministry expects an export of more than 5 million tons of agricultural product. This brings us closer to 2021's grain exports, which amounted to 6 million tons in these months. With the current development of the grain corridor, the authorities expect that an export of 60 million tons should be possible for the 2022/2023 season.