NIBULON exported just a quarter of planned grain volume in July due to port blockade
Grain producer and trader NIBULON exported just 60,000 tons of grain in July, against about 250,000 tons planned, with actual shipments more than four times below the target due to the blockade of Ukrainian seaports, the company’s owner and CEO Andriy Vadaturskyi told Forbes Ukraine.
“We tried to ship through the ports of Big Odesa in July, and our entire programme was built around them. But we managed to ship only two vessels — 60,000 tons out of about 250,000 tons contracted,” Vadaturskyi said.
He said the company had invested about $25 million in developing infrastructure on the Danube before the blockade, but after the maritime corridor resumed operations, the alternative route was effectively no longer used.
In Vadaturskyi’s view, the state should continue supporting alternative export routes even after seaports resume normal operations, as businesses need predictability. Possible mechanisms include compensation for transport costs, support through state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia and other measures.
Vadaturskyi does not, however, consider the situation critical for the sector. In his assessment, provided alternative logistics are restored and the market stabilises, Ukraine’s agricultural sector could return to profitability within two to three months.
