Ukraine’s agricultural sector may enter the 2026/27 marketing year with higher-than-expected grain stocks due to slower export rates caused by continued attacks on port infrastructure, ProAgro Group reports.
This was stated by Volodymyr Slavinskyi, Director of Trade and Logistics at Nibulon, during the Forbes Agro conference in Kyiv.
“We will enter the next marketing year with larger liquid stocks than expected. Unfortunately, traders and producers may have to offer discounts on foreign markets in order to ensure shipments of their products,” Slavinskyi said.
According to him, due to the high level of uncertainty, companies are forced to build logistics systems with additional reserves at each stage and prepare backup options for different export routes.
Currently, Nibulon plans shipments two to three months ahead, but this strategy always includes a “plan B.” The company remains ready to adjust up to 70–80% of operational processes during execution, including switching ports of shipment or transport modes to maintain flexibility and meet contractual obligations.
Slavinskyi emphasized that attacks on port infrastructure remain the main factor making agricultural exports unpredictable. In December and January, attacks on the energy system and constant air raid alerts effectively halted terminal operations.
In some cases, air raid alarms lasted up to 20 hours a day in port areas, leaving terminals able to operate for no more than four hours. The inability to maintain loading schedules translates into financial losses for the entire supply chain.
He advised farmers and traders to design logistics strategies that include buffers for unexpected disruptions.
“It is important to maintain flexibility: we aim for the most efficient option, but remain ready to quickly change plans to ensure business continuity,” Slavinskyi added.
As previously reported, in February 2026 Ukraine exported about 5 million tonnes of agricultural products, up 0.3% compared to the previous month. Export volumes have remained stable for four consecutive months, with corn currently being the main export commodity.
Source: Agravery.com
