Ukraine has witnessed a significant reduction in its agricultural exports to Asian and African countries in 2023, primarily attributed to blocked seaports in the Black Sea, reported agricultural business association UCAB on Thursday. The Black Sea ports, traditionally a crucial export route for Ukraine, were partially or completely obstructed following the Russian invasion in February 2022. UCAB highlighted that the share of agricultural exports to Africa decreased from 14% to 7% in January-October 2023 compared to the same period in 2021. Similarly, exports to Asia dropped from 19% to 12%, with Southeast Asia experiencing a decline from 13% to 4%. The association emphasized that the blockade by Russian troops prompted Ukrainian farmers to seek alternative routes through the European Union, leading to a notable rise in exports to Europe, reaching 59% in the first 10 months of 2023 from 32% in 2021. While the share of grain in exports decreased to 39% from 45% in 2021, UCAB noted an increase in exports of oilseeds, sugar, dairy products, meat, and other goods in 2023.
Ukraine faces sharp decline in agricultural exports to Asia and Africa amid black sea seaport blockades.
