From July to December 2025, the volume of Ukrainian corn exports significantly decreased, reaching the lowest level since the 2017/2018 marketing year. During this period, Ukraine shipped only 5.9 million tons of corn to foreign markets, while in the same period of the previous season, exports amounted to 9.8 million tons.
This is reported by Finway
Impact of Russian Attacks on Railway and Port Infrastructure
The main reason for the slowdown in exports is attributed by experts to the systematic massive attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure. Over the course of a year, railway facilities were subjected to more than 800 strikes, leading to significant complications in logistics. The delivery time for grain to ports increased from two to three days to 10 to 20 days, and transportation costs rose due to the need to use generators at elevators and terminals.
The main importers of Ukrainian corn remain Turkey (1.5 million tons), Italy (1.3 million tons), the Netherlands (430.8 thousand tons), and Spain (397.5 thousand tons).
Changes in the EU Market and Weather Factors
In addition to the devastating effects of Russian attacks on ports, export rates are also declining due to delays in harvesting caused by unfavorable weather conditions. This has significantly impacted Ukraine’s position in the EU import corn market — over the year, its share decreased from 56% to 26%. In absolute terms, exports to the EU fell from 5.78 million tons to 2.15 million tons, with Brazil and the USA becoming the leading suppliers in this market.
“As a result of Russian strikes on port infrastructure and delays in harvesting due to weather conditions, Ukraine’s share in the EU import corn market fell from 56% to 26% over the year, or from 5.78 million tons to 2.15 million tons.”
As of January 8, Ukrainian farmers had harvested 28.7 million tons of corn from 91% of the area, but logistical and weather challenges continue to affect Ukraine’s export potential.