Ukraine boosts corn exports in April as Turkey emerges as key buyer

In April 2026, Ukraine shipped 2.688 million tons of corn, up 8% compared to March (2.503 million tons), according to analysts at Spike Brokers.

In total, since the start of the marketing year (October 2025 – April 2026), corn exports have reached 15.91 million tons.

“April volumes were among the highest this season and confirmed that Ukraine maintains a strong presence in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern demand, even amid intense competition from South America,” the report said.

Turkey was the largest buyer in April, importing 1.017 million tons (nearly 38% of total exports). Other key destinations included Italy (353 kt), Spain (284 kt), Tunisia (159 kt), Israel (155 kt), Libya (151 kt), the Netherlands (129 kt), and South Korea (102 kt).

“The external price environment for corn remained constructive. On CBOT, the July contract held near the upper end of its recent range, while the December contract tested the psychological $5.00 level,” Spike Brokers analysts noted.

Exchange support came from expectations of lower yield potential in the U.S. due to high fertiliser costs, risks to Brazil’s safrinha crop, and strong U.S. export sales. At the same time, technical overbought conditions limited the market’s willingness to extend gains quickly without new fundamental drivers.

The Ukrainian physical market moved more cautiously than futures. The SPIKE Spot Commodity Index Ukraine (CPT Odesa basis) indicated corn at $222/t (+$1 over the week).

For the second consecutive month, buyers at the western border have been outbidding seaports. Prices delivered CPT Chop (Nidera terminal) stand at $220–222/t.