Ukraine’s agricultural exports could rise to 6 million-6.5 million mt in October, double the volume seen in July, as its sea ports gradually reopen, the country’s agriculture minister said on Monday. Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporter of grains, oilseeds and vegetable oils, but its exports have slumped this year, driving up global food prices, as Russia’s invasion destroyed some agricultural land and the country’s Black Sea ports were closed off. Exports have picked up since three Black Sea ports were unblocked at the end of July under a deal between Moscow and Kyiv, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey.
Ukraine’s 2022 grain harvest is expected to fall to 50 million mt from a record 86 million mt in 2021, according to official estimates. Agriculture Minister Mykola Solsky told Reuters on Monday that the harvest could include 19 million mt of wheat, half of which would be exported, and 25 million-27 million mt of corn. (more…)