Monthly transit of Ukraine's agroexport through Poland equals daily exports by sea ports — Solskyi

Since the start of 2024, 12 million tons of the total 17 million tons of agricultural exports have been exported through the ports of Big Odesa, nearly 3 million tons have been shipped via the Danube, and only 2 million tons by land, mostly by rail, through neighbouring EU countries, the Minister of Agriculture of Ukraine Mykola Solskyi announced in Brussels on March 26.

"Our monthly transit through Poland equals the amount we export through Ukrainian seaports in one day. Now the cost of exporting from Ukraine by sea is much more competitive than by land," Solskyi said.

He stressed that Ukrainian agricultural exports to the EU markets have no adverse impact, and in some cases contribute to stabilising the price balance.

The share of Ukrainian poultry and eggs in total EU consumption is less than 2% and 1% respectively. The sugar price in the EU is still substantially higher than it was before russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If Ukrainian sugar leaves the market, the price in the EU will rise further, Solskyi remarked.

The minister stressed that Ukraine seeks free trade with the EU on a competitive market basis.

"The restrictions only weaken Ukraine economically and distance the country's main goal — our common victory over russia in this war," Solskyi added.

Ukraine is ready to embrace a licensing system for agricultural exports to Poland, but only for four commodities: wheat, corn, sunflower and rapeseed.