Ukrainian agrarians and industrialists have issued a joint statement against the announced increase in freight transportation tariffs by “Ukrzaliznytsia” (UZ) up to 37–40%. Business representatives warn that such a decision could have critical consequences for the country’s exports, production, and logistical stability.

This week, a number of industry associations—from the mining and metallurgical complex to manufacturers of cement and building materials—publicly stated the risks of enterprise shutdowns and a drop in production volumes should the tariff scenario be implemented. “We are already transporting freight 15–20% more expensively than in Europe, and now another 37% increase is planned. This is not just economically unjustified—it is a path to a deadlock,” stated Oleksandr Kalenkov, President of “Ukrmetalurgprom.”

Agrarian associations support the protest, emphasizing that given unstable logistics and high grain drying costs, a new tariff increase could force farmers to abandon rail transport in favor of road transport. This, in turn, threatens the loss of export positions and rising domestic costs.

Leonid Kozachenko, President of the Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation, previously called Ukrzaliznytsia’s tariff policy monopolistic and non-transparent, calling for the opening of the private traction market. Pavlo Koval, CEO of UAC, reminds that the previous 70% tariff increase already led to the disappearance of many small and medium-sized farms, and the new increase will not solve the company’s financial problems.

Against the backdrop of the autumn peak in agricultural logistics, the topic of tariffs is once again at the center of public discussion. Business associations are preparing for an active dialogue with the government to prevent the implementation of the next increase.