Due to Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports, Ukraine's agricultural exports fell by 70% in August. During a press conference in Kyiv, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotsky discussed possible ways to reopen the sea routes.
Key Issues
- 70% drop in exports: Due to the blockade of Black Sea ports, Ukraine can export only 30% of its potential.
- Shutdown of the Greater Odesa ports: In August, ships stopped calling at the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.
- Limitations on alternative routes: Rail and Danube ports account for 40% of current exports, but all alternatives combined can cover only up to 50% of demand.
- Military scenario: Ukraine is considering a military option to unblock the Black Sea; once navigation resumes, it will take about a month to return to normal levels.
- No Shortages in Ukraine: The domestic market is fully supplied with products, and the problems concern only export logistics.
“Currently, given Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian products’ access to international markets, we can supply only 30% of the potential volume,” Vysotsky noted.
