As of 1 October 2025, Ukraine exported agricultural products worth €15 billion, which is €1.57 billion less than in the same period of 2024. 90% of the total decline in Ukrainian exports over the first nine months is linked to the European market.

The slowdown in exports is caused by a lack of predictability and stability in trade with the EU due to ongoing changes in the trading system. These issues are expected to be resolved with the entry into force of the updated EU–Ukraine Association Agreement on 29 October. Meanwhile, three EU member states continue to maintain bans on imports of Ukrainian agricultural products.

“High insurance costs and a shortage of containers and refrigerated units reaching the Greater Odesa ports continue to restrict Ukraine’s ability to return to its traditional export markets. Nevertheless, Ukraine has exported 44 million tonnes through the Odesa ports. 90% of agri-food exports are shipped via seaports,” noted Taras Kachka, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Economy and Trade Representative.

Production challenges have also contributed to the export decline, particularly in frontline areas where Russian forces are literally killing farmers in their fields.

“Despite all the challenges, Ukraine expects a harvest of nearly 79 million tonnes of grains and oilseeds this year, of which 49 million tonnes will be available for export (17.5 million tonnes of wheat and 23.5 million tonnes of corn),” emphasized Taras Kachka.

The official stressed that Ukraine is a major buyer of European products – dairy, wine, high-quality processed foods, and agricultural inputs such as seeds, machinery, and chemicals. As of October 2025, Ukraine has imported from the EU inputs and fuel for agricultural needs worth €3.1 billion and agri-food products worth €2.9 billion.

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