Ukrainian agricultural exports: new achievements and plans for the future

Ukraine continues to demonstrate impressive results in agricultural exports. In 11 months of 2024, the country has already exported 72.7 million tons of agricultural products, and according to forecasts, by the end of the year this figure may reach 77 million tons. This indicates stable growth in the agricultural sector, which was confirmed by the Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitaliy Koval at the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Conference "Harvest of Victory".

According to the minister, compared to last year, when Ukraine exported 67.3 million tons of grain and oilseed crops, this year the indicators have increased significantly. In just 11 months of 2024, the country has exported more goods, and a record figure is forecast by the end of the year. This indicates an increase in production rates and an increase in the efficiency of the agricultural sector.

In addition to the quantitative growth in exports, Ukraine is approaching the second historical record for agricultural exports in terms of value. In 2023, the volume of agricultural products exported in the amount of $ 22.1 billion is expected to increase to $ 24.5 billion this year. This confirms the effectiveness of the agricultural policy and the high demand for Ukrainian products in international markets.

The European Union remains the main market for Ukrainian agricultural products, accounting for 55% of all exports. Although this share has decreased compared to last year from 60%, the minister noted that the decrease is due to Ukraine's active work to open new markets and return historical ones. One of the factors in this is the stable functioning of the grain corridor, which allows for increased supplies to various countries.

A significant part of exports is traditionally made up of grain crops, which bring in about $ 9 billion. In addition to grains, sunflower oil is in second place in importance, which also occupies an important part in Ukraine's agricultural exports. Vitaliy Koval focused on the need to increase the volume of agricultural processing in order to increase the export of value-added goods, which will provide additional income to the economy.

As for plans for the next season, the minister emphasized the increase in the area of ​​winter crops, which will ensure a sufficient harvest for export. In addition, the priority will be the development of the processing industry, in particular the production of sugar and confectionery products. The government also plans to remove bureaucratic barriers, which will allow Ukraine to significantly expand access to new markets.

"Next year's harvest will definitely be, because the sown area of ​​winter crops is larger than last year. Grain and oilseed crops will remain the leaders. We also focus on processing products, in particular sugar, and plan to achieve record results in this area. However, in order to realize the full potential, we must remove all bureaucratic restrictions and obtain permits for access to new markets," Vitaliy Koval concluded.

Thus, Ukraine demonstrates stable growth in the agricultural sector, which is reflected in both the volume and value of exports. The projected plans for the next season are aimed at further expanding sales markets and developing the processing industry, which will ensure sustainable economic growth of the country.