Trump tariffs could open export door for Ukrainian agriculture

Ukraine's agricultural sector, particularly corn, soybean, and wheat markets, could benefit from the fallout of US tariffs leading to countermeasures by other countries. As alternative suppliers, Ukraine could partially replace US corn. The country has the capacity, producing 32 million tons of corn in 2023 and 26 million tons in 2024, and exporting nearly 30 million tons in the 2023/24 season. Agricultural products, including sunflower oil, corn, and wheat, accounted for 59% of Ukraine's total exports in 2024. The potential impact will be discussed at the 23 International Conference BLACK SEA GRAIN.KYIV on April 24 in Kyiv.

Ukraine’s agricultural sector could benefit from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from all nations, which are expected to trigger countermeasures and potentially lead to higher prices and lower demand for American goods. This could create opportunities for alternative suppliers, including Ukraine, which is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of corn. It is in a position to partially replace U.S. corn if retaliatory sanctions are imposed. Both ASAP Agri and Barva Invest, consulting firms, point to the potential impact of counter-restrictions on U.S. exports, with the European Union, Australia and China most likely to impose such measures. “It will open a huge window of opportunity for alternative suppliers,” especially in the corn, soybean and wheat markets, where Ukraine competes directly with the United States. Ukraine produced 32 million tons of corn in 2023 and 26 million tons in 2024. The country also exported nearly 30 million tons of corn in ...