Ukraine faces potential losses in grain harvest due to adverse weather conditions, impacting exports and EU trade relations.

Ukraine has already gathered approximately 33 million tons of grains and oilseeds, but unfavorable weather conditions have had a negative impact on the later crops, potentially resulting in losses exceeding 15% of the harvest. Specifically, if the drought persists, the corn harvest will not surpass 22 million tons. This information was conveyed by Denys Marchuk, the Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, during a briefing on August 30th, as reported by the UAC press service.

Marchuk also highlighted certain difficulties in exporting these products from Ukraine.

"In the current year, we have managed to sell over 7 million tons of agricultural products, representing a 60% increase compared to the same period last year. However, the reduction in the corn harvest of 10 million tons, caused by the weather, will impact the export volume," stated the Deputy Chairman of the UAC.

According to Marchuk, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East continue to be the traditional markets for Ukrainian products. However, Ukraine's presence in the European Union has significantly strengthened due to the opportunity for duty-free trade.

"By selling over 15 million tons of corn, we have increased our presence in the EU and established trade relationships with countries such as Germany, Spain, and Italy. This is a significant step towards expanding exports, not only of raw materials, but also of value-added food products," he emphasized.

At the same time, the expert described the existing quota constraints on exports to the EU as "significant for Ukrainian producers."

"Quotas for certain products, such as honey, oats, eggs, and sugar, have already been exhausted, and it is likely that we will soon reach the quota limit for chicken. However, there are no plans for similar reductions in the cereals group. The drought has also affected the EU, and a surplus of grain is not anticipated. We are optimistic that by the 2024/25 marketing year, Ukrainian agricultural exports will exceed 40 million tons," concluded Marchuk.