Insight Focus
- Ukraine is fifth-largest grains exporter in the world.
- This week, we look at how its main grains ports have been hit by Russia’s invasion.
- If you’d like us to answer one of your questions in an upcoming edition, please email will@czapp.com.
Which Are the Main Ukrainian Ports for Grains Exports?
Most of Ukraine’s grains exports are shipped via four Black Sea ports in southern Ukraine: Mykolayev, Chornomorsk, Pivdenny and Odessa. These ports are collectively responsible for around 90% (29.1mmt) of the country’s grains flows.
However, port operations were suspended by the Ukrainian military following Russia’s invasion. Ukraine’s grains exports usually go to Middle Eastern and European countries.
The Middle East & North African region (MENA) is particularly exposed to disruption to Ukrainian grains flows following Russia’s invasion. Egypt imported 5.5m tonnes of grain from Ukraine in 2021, accounting for almost 25% of Egypt’s total grain imports. That said, Egypt is looking to boost its wheat independence with Black Sea supply disrupted.
China is equally exposed as it was Ukraine’s top importer in 2021. China is also looking to expand its wheat production but is open to Russian grain as well, which may struggle to be shipped elsewhere.
Black Sea trade could take months to normalise with war continuing in Ukraine.
Other Insights That May Be of Interest…
Egypt to Boost Wheat Production with Black Sea Disruption
Will Record Wheat Prices Incentivise Chinese Expansion?
Russia & Ukraine Grains Flows Likely to Be Disrupted into H2’22
Explainers That May Be of Interest…
