Ukraine, Romania to expand alternative logistics routes for agricultural exports

Ukraine and Romania are planning to widen alternative logistics routes for agricultural exports, according to a meeting between Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Taras Vysotskyi and Romania's Ambassador to Ukraine, Alexandru Victor Micula. Restrictions on Ukraine's primary maritime export routes could lead to a full storage capacity of nearly 59 million tonnes by early November and an 11 million tonne shortfall by autumn's end.

Romania's port of Constanța is emerging as a crucial backup route for transporting Ukrainian grain to international markets. Vysotskyi expressed the urgency of preserving harvested grain and maintaining alternative export channels, emphasizing the importance of Romanian support. The two countries aim to boost border crossings, increase phytosanitary and veterinary inspection capacity, operate services around the clock, and optimize offshore transshipment using floating cranes at Constanța Port.

The Danube logistics corridor, vulnerable to Russian attacks, was also discussed, with Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey reinforcing safety measures for civilian vessels navigating the Sulina Canal and Danube ports. Financial aid for Ukrainian farmers and potential EU Commission funding were also touched upon, with Romania pledging its support for Ukrainian initiatives to expand alternative logistics routes.

Canada has indicated willingness to help Ukraine secure additional grain storage bags during port infrastructure disruptions caused by Russian attacks.