Photo: depositphotos
Ukraine’s wheat exports have dropped sharply in the current marketing season, with only 55% of the planned export potential realized by the end of March, according to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club.
Export figures
For the 2025/26 marketing year, Ukraine planned to export 17.6 million tons of wheat (excluding domestic needs). However, in nine months, only 9.7 million tons have been shipped abroad — 25% less than in the same period last year.
Shift in export geography
The current season shows a clear shift in export destinations:
- supplies to the European Union have declined, particularly to Spain and Italy
- exports to African countries are increasing
Key reason: record EU harvest
The main factor behind this trend is a surge in wheat production within the EU itself.
- previous season: ~122 million tons
- current season: ~144 million tons
Thanks to this record harvest, the EU has largely covered its own demand for both food and feed grain, significantly reducing imports from Ukraine.
Market impact
As a result, Ukrainian exporters are being forced to redirect shipments to more distant markets. This requires new logistics solutions and slows down the overall pace of export plan fulfillment.
Overall, the situation reflects growing competition on global grain markets and highlights Ukraine’s increasing dependence on diversified export routes.
