In 2024, 71% of agricultural exports were shipped via sea routes

Dynamics of Export Routes 2021-2024: 

• 2021: dominance of Black Sea ports, through which 94% of agricultural exports passed. 
• 2022: due to the full-scale war, a reorientation to alternative routes occurred. The share of Black Sea ports for the year was 53%, thanks to shipments in January-February and the operation of the UN Black Sea Grain Initiative. There was a significant shift to Danube ports (20% of exports) and the launch of the EU “Solidarity Lane”, which handled 25% of all agri-food products. 
• 2023: Danube ports strengthened their potential as an alternative export channel, reaching 36%. Black Sea ports accounted for 38%, and the “Solidarity Lane” for 24%.
•  2024: The reopening of Ukrainian seaports provided full-fledged logistics for bulk products, while finished and packaged goods still significantly depend on the functioning of the EU “Solidarity Lane” and Danube ports. The Ukrainian sea corridor handled 71% of exports. The share of “Solidarity Lane” was 15%, and Danube ports accounted for 13%.

Key Insights: 

• Logistics Adaptability: Ukraine, together with its international partners, demonstrated extraordinary flexibility by quickly developing alternative export routes through the EU when the seaports were paralyzed. 
• Resumption of Maritime Exports: the successful operations of the Ukrainian military allowed for the return of relatively stable exports via sea routes, which is an extremely important channel for Ukrainian agricultural products. 
• Risk Diversification through Alternative Routes: rail, river, and road transport remain important components of export logistics, ensuring flexibility and stability of supplies, especially for finished products.

Conclusion: Ukraine’s agricultural export logistics demonstrate adaptability to wartime challenges. However, land and river routes, despite their critical importance for the industry’s survival, cannot fully replace the capacity and economic efficiency of sea transport. The capabilities of the seaports are what allow Ukraine to fully honor international contracts and maintain its status as a global guarantor of food security.

Learn more in the full Export Portfolio 2025: https://cutt.ly/rr1U8YTa