Grain exports from Ukraine through the Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta fell 43% from a year earlier in the first seven months to 4.62 million metric tons, the port authority told Reuters, as Kiev was able to rely on its own ports this year.
Constanta remains Ukraine's main alternative route for grain since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and the port has seen an influx of investment funds from the European Union aimed at increasing its capacity.
But Ukraine has managed to create a transport corridor that hugs the western Black Sea coast, close to Romania and Bulgaria. After the collapse of a UN-backed initiative, exports through its own ports have surged.
Kiev speeds up grain shipments, building on military gains in the Black Sea despite Russian attacks on its ports.
Ukraine grain exports fall amid climate, economic challenges
Data from the Port of Constanta indicate that 380,000 tons of Ukrainian grain left in July, excluding volumes from smaller ports and land exports.
On the other hand, “unlike the previous two years, I would not say that grain flows from Ukraine through Constanta are constant,” said Viorel Panait, manager of port operator Comvex. He added that Romania’s grain exports were also being affected by the prolonged drought and low market prices.
Looking ahead, “operators believe flows will increase in September, and Serbia will export more grain,” Panait said.
Grain exports through Constanta reached 18.2 million tonnes in the first seven months of 2024, similar to the same period in 2023. Finally, Romania, a major EU grain exporter, uses the port to ship grain from landlocked neighbours such as Serbia and Hungary.
Source: Luiza Ilie | Agricultural News
