A record 8 million tonnes of cargo was exported via the Ukrainian sea corridor in February this year. This was announced by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Vice Prime Minister for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Minister of Community Development, Territories and Infrastructure, Kommersant Ukrainsky reports 
“The cargo turnover of the ports of Greater Odesa in the shortest month of the year was 8 million tonnes, of which 5.2 million tonnes were the products of Ukrainian farmers. These are record export figures not only for the Ukrainian corridor, but also during the period of the full-scale invasion,”
– the statement said.
It is noted that export figures are approaching those that were before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Since the start of the maritime corridor, exports through its routes have reached 28 million tonnes, 19 million tonnes of which are grains and oilseeds. The cargo was transported to 42 countries.
“Today, more than 90% of all agricultural exports go through the ports of Greater Odesa and the Danube ports. Ukraine remains one of the key guarantors of food security. This is especially true for grain exports to Africa and Asia,”
– kubrakov added.
Since August last year, more than 30 million tonnes of agricultural products have been exported via the Ukrainian corridor and the Danube River. This is over 90% of our country’s total agricultural exports.
Border blockade
Problems at the border began on 6 November 2023, when Polish transport companies began blocking truck traffic at three major checkpoints on the Ukrainian border: “Korczowa-Krakowiec, Hrebenne-Rava-Ruska, and Dorohusk-Yagodyn. One of the requirements was to reinstate the permits for Ukrainian carriers that had been cancelled under the agreement with the EU by 30 June 2024.
On6 January, truck traffic to the Medyka-Shehyni border crossingin Poland resumed. Three other border crossing points were opened on 17 January, namely Dorohusk – Yagodyn, Hrebenne – Rava-Ruska, and Korczowa – Krakivets.
on 9 February 2024, Polish farmers began a new nationwide strike and blockade of the border with Ukraine, which will last until 10 March. It was initiated by the independent farmers’ trade union Solidarity. The main demand of the protesters is to cancel the preferential trade regime with Ukraine and to return the permit system for importing goods into Poland.
The border blockade is currently ongoing, with Polish farmers blocking truck traffic at six checkpoints. According to the State Border Guard Service, there are more than 2,500 trucks in the queues.
Meanwhile, Poland has already imposed an embargo on Ukrainian grain, according to Polish Deputy Agriculture Minister Michal Kolodziejczak.
Polish Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Hetman, in turn, said that Poland could impose an embargo on all Ukrainian agricultural products.
Ukrainians responded by blocking the border for Polish trucks.