In November 2024, the volume of agricultural exports by road through the western land borders of Ukraine decreased by 9%, reaching 280 thousand tons, compared to the previous month. This occurred against the background of a decrease in trade activity and sharp changes in transport routes. Information about the decrease in exports was published by the ProAgro Group agency, citing data from Spike Brokers.

One of the main factors in the decrease in exports was the complication of transportation across the Polish border, where protests led to a 12% decrease in shipments, which amounted to 107.3 thousand tons. In addition, exports across the Romanian border decreased by 17%, to 77 thousand tons. Only a slight decrease of 4% and 2% was observed at the Slovak and Hungarian borders, where export volumes amounted to 18.8 thousand tons and 30.8 thousand tons, respectively.

Despite the overall decline in exports, there was a 9% increase across the Moldovan border, with volumes reaching 46.2 thousand tons. This indicates some diversification of trade routes and reorientation of some supplies.

Sunflower oil and soybeans remained Ukraine’s important export commodities in November, accounting for 40.6 thousand tons and 21.2 thousand tons, respectively. This underscores the stability of demand for basic agricultural products, even amid a decline in overall exports.

Analyses also indicate an increase in the cost of domestic transportation by $2-5 per ton for transporting cargo from central Ukraine to ports. At the same time, rates for transportation by dump trucks to European countries remain stable, and prices for transportation by tarpaulins have decreased by €3-5 per ton compared to the previous period.

Reduced trade activity and transportation difficulties may impact the market in the coming months, but opportunities for adaptation and finding new routes remain an important area for Ukrainian farmers seeking to maintain and increase export volumes.