Ukrainian farmers overcome a new export challenge
3 January 17:38
In 2024, Ukraine reached the pre-war level of agricultural exports. This was announced by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Vitaliy Koval on his Telegram channel, reports
According to him, in 2024, agricultural products accounted for 59% of total exports.
“We have reached the pre-war export level of $24.5 billion. This is the second historical record (in 2021, the corresponding amount was $ 27.7 billion). In total, last year Ukraine exported 78.3 million tons of agricultural products,” Koval wrote.
Sunflower oil accounts for the largest share – 21%. Almost 6 million tons of it were exported for $5.1 billion. Corn is in second place – 21%, with 29.6 million tons exported for $5 billion. Wheat is in third place, with 15%, or 20.6 million tons worth $3.7 billion.
Other leaders include rapeseed – 7% (3.8 million tons for $1.8 billion), soybeans – 5% (3.4 million tons for $1.3 billion), cake and residues obtained during the extraction of vegetable fats and oils – 4% (4.7 million tons for $1 billion).
The share of poultry meat and edible products amounted to 4%. These products were exported in the amount of 447 thousand tons for $958 million. Barley (3.3 million tons for $557 million) and sugar (746 thousand tons for $418 million) also accounted for 2% each.
What will happen to the agricultural sector in 2025
As previously reported by
Weather conditions remain a critical factor for yields. The spring sowing campaign scheduled for this year will provide a clearer understanding of the prospects for the next season.
In addition, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, farmers have become one of the most mobilized groups of the population. They have relevant experience with machinery, which makes them valuable to both the army and the agricultural sector.
The energy crisis and fuel excise taxes will also have an impact.
In 2025, according to Denys Marchuk, deputy chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, farmers will focus on high-margin crops such as rapeseed, soybeans, and sunflower. They traditionally hold high prices, which allows them to offset costs even in difficult conditions. This season, these crops have proven to be economically viable.
