Ukraine finds safer way to export grain and asks for 50% discount – Reuters
Photo: Grain is loaded onto a train in Odesa region (Getty Images)
Ukraine is considering the possibility of transporting grain by rail through Moldova. The sides are also discussing potential rates, according to Reuters.
Ukraine to export grain through Moldova
Kyiv has asked Chisinau for a low freight tariff, sources in both countries said on August 11.
Russian attacks on the "grain corridor" and Ukrainian ports have intensified. As a result, grain exports from Ukraine via the Black Sea to Romania have faced difficulties.
Sources in Ukraine and Moldova told the outlet that Kyiv would like to transport its grain through Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanța and is seeking a 50% discount from the nominal rate.
According to the sources, Moldova responded with a proposal to provide guarantees on the volumes of Ukrainian grain transported. The sides are discussing the timing and volumes of grain transit through Moldova to Constanta.
"We are currently gathering information on potential volumes from interested shippers. The information-gathering process has not yet been completed," a senior Ukrainian industry official told Reuters.
How much grain can be transported
Former head of Moldova's railway company Oleg Tofilat told Reuters that the rail transit corridor through Moldova could transport 4.5 million metric tons annually.
According to Ukrainian estimates, the operational corridor could handle 10% of the country's exports. Moldova already facilitated rail transportation of Ukrainian grain in 2022-2023.
Moldova's Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development Vladimir Bolea visited Odesa region on Monday and discussed with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Kalashnyk improved rail connections and expanded transit.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that agricultural exports from Ukraine this season could fall by more than half. The reason is Russian attacks on Black Sea ports.
It was also reported that Ukraine could export around 29.6 million tons of agricultural products in the 2026-27 marketing year. This is 54% less than the previous estimate of 64.4 million tons.
In addition, on August 6, Russian forces struck another civilian vessel in the Black Sea, killing a Ukrainian sailor.
It was also reported that Ukraine is actively looking for ways to resume exports amid Russia's blockade of the maritime corridor. Kyiv's allies are already providing assistance.
