Ukraine becomes world's second largest grain exporter

Based on the results of 2019-2020 marketing year, Ukraine has become world's second largest grain exporter, trailing only to the United States.

"Ukraine is an important player in the international grain market, one of the guarantors of global food security and has the potential to increase grain production and exports. Based on the results of 2019-2020 marketing year, Ukraine has become world's second largest grain exporter, trailing only to the United States," Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture - Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka said at the 52nd session of the International Grains Council, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Ministry’s press service.

In particular, he noted that according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ukraine ranked 2nd in barley exports, 4th in corn exports and 5th in wheat exports among the largest grain exporters in 2019-2020 MY.

As noted, the long-term forecast and possible scenario for supply and demand for basic grains and oilseeds, national trade policies with a focus on the introduction of additional trade restrictions by the countries were considered. In addition, a proposal to strengthen international trade cooperation was made at the session.

The Ministry’s press service reminded that Kachka had been elected as Deputy Chairperson of the International Grains Council for 2020-2021.

On July 1, 2020, the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian grain market participants for the new marketing year. Pursuant to the annex to the grain memorandum on the maximum volume of exports in 2020/2021 MY, Ukraine exports 17.5 million tonnes of wheat and 1,000 tonnes of rye.

In 2020, 65.4 million tonnes of grains and legumes were harvested in Ukraine from an area of 15.3 million hectares. According to the State Statistics Service, Ukraine harvested 75.1 million tonnes of grains and legumes in 2019, 70.1 million tonnes in 2018.

From the beginning of the 2020/2021 marketing year (from July 1) to January 18, 2021, Ukraine exported about 27.57 million tonnes of grains and legumes, down 6.3 million tonnes compared to the same period last MY. In particular, Ukraine exported 12.75 million tonnes of wheat, 3.89 million tonnes of barley, 10.52 million tonnes of corn and 81.2 thousand tonnes of wheat flour.

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