Vice PM: Ukraine exports 1.5 mn tons of agri products amid Russia’s seaport blockade

Ukraine has exported nearly 1.5 million tons of agricultural products through new alternative trade routes, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov announced on 24 October. The milestone comes after Ukraine launched the new routes in response to Russia’s withdrawal from a UN-brokered grain deal.

“The No. 1 condition for the restoration of the economy is the ability to export through the deep-water ports in the Black Sea. From the moment Russia pulled from the grain agreement, we began to work with a new alternative corridor. We already see our first results – almost 1.5 million metric tons have been exported,” said Vice-Prime Minister, Minister for Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, addressing the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum in Berlin, Ukrinform reports.

In the face of challenges, Ukraine’s agricultural sector has shown remarkable adaptability, contributing to the stability of international food supplies. The country has successfully delivered 32.9 million tons of agricultural products to Africa, Asia, and Europe from August 2022 to July 2023, Kubrakov said.

While the new routes offer an interim solution, Kubrakov stressed full economic recovery requires renewed access to major Black Sea ports. He also highlighted urgent infrastructure needs, with over 80% of Dnipro gateways in critical condition.

“The Danube [river port infrastructure] performs a very important function. When no ports were operating in Odesa Oblast, it took almost 50% of all exports and imports. This is our big alternative route. About 85% of the Dnipro gateways are in critical condition, so the need for investment in modernization is $165 million,” Kubrakov said.

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