Kachka: 90% drop in Ukraine’s agri-exports this year linked to the EU market; grain exports to five neighboring countries remain suspended

As of October 1, 2025, Ukraine exported agricultural products worth €15 billion — €1.57 billion less than in the same period last year. 90% of this year’s export decline is linked to the European market, Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, wrote on Facebook.

He cited several reasons for the downturn.

• Unpredictability and instability in trade with the EU due to ongoing changes in the trade regime have disrupted market flows. According to Kachka, this issue will be resolved once the updated Association Agreement enters into force on October 29. Ukraine still restricts exports of grains and oilseeds to five neighbouring countries, while three EU member states maintain bans on importing Ukrainian farm goods.
• Logistics also remain a major challenge, with high insurance costs, a shortage of containers and refrigerated units reaching the ports of Greater Odesa, and limited capacity to regain traditional export markets. Despite this, Ukraine shipped 44 million tons of agricultural products through Odesa ports, accounting for 90% of total agri-exports.
• Additional difficulties stem from production losses in frontline regions, where Russia continues to pressure farmers and destroy agricultural infrastructure.

Still, Ukraine expects to harvest almost 79 million tons of grains and oilseeds this season, with 49 million tons available for export — including 17.5 million tons of wheat and 23.5 million tons of corn.