In 2022/23 marketing year, the grain transaction became the main channel for exports of agricultural products from Ukraine, accounting for 54% of total grain exports, 27% of vegetable oil and 38% of meal. Despite certain problems in its functioning, it remained key for the country's agricultural sector.

These data are presented in Kernel's report for FY2023, which covers the period from July 2022 to June 2023.

Serious challenges and restrictions in the traditional channels of grain exports from Ukraine have led to increased competition among grain traders. The expansion of exports via alternative routes and the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which included a special vessel allocation system, contributed to this development.

New and smaller players have entered the grain export market, adding to the competition and thus significantly reducing the market share of large multinational trading houses such as Kernel, Louis Dreyfus, Cargill, ADM and COFCO.

According to Stark Shipping, Kernel became the largest grain exporter from Ukraine in 2022/23 MY with a share of 8%. Louis Dreyfus is in second place, followed by Cargill, Nibulon, and ADM.

It should also be noted that during the first quarter of 2023/24 MY NIBULON shipped 596 thsd tonnes of agricultural products for export. Its share in total exports through the Danube ports amounted to 10%.

Large grain traders remain the key players in the Ukrainian agricultural sector, but increasing competition is fostering the development of various markets and channels for grain exports.