STORY: :: Archive

Monthly grain shipments from Ukraine could be cut by more than a third, as a rise in Russian attacks on seaports has left terminal operators facing mounting losses.

Ukraine is one of the world's major grain exporters and its Black Sea ports handle more than 90% of its exports.

Three exporters and industry officials told Reuters intensified missile and drone attacks on ports, ships, railways and energy infrastructure are threatening the flow of cargoes.

The country's largest farming union UAC, said strikes on ports were now among the biggest constraints for the sector.

The pressure on logistics is acute for private terminal operators, who have suffered repeated damage since Russia's invasion.

Losses for port terminals since the start of the war are at $1.5 billion, the union said, adding that terminals do not have enough money for restoration.

A 30% fall in key exporting months could have broad consequences for Ukraine's wartime economy.

Agricultural exports are a key source of foreign currency revenue.

It could also impact global markets.

In recent seasons Ukraine has accounted for about 6% of global wheat exports and about 11% of global corn exports.

Ukraine has exported 34.9 million tons of grain so far in the current season down nearly five million from a season earlier.

Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukrainian ports and energy infrastructure during the war.

Kyiv says the attacks are aimed at undermining Ukraine's economy and its ability to export food to global markets.