Russia's Black Sea Attacks Disrupt Ukraine Grain Exports

Ukraine's grain export forecast has been revised downward due to Russian attacks on Black Sea ports, which have disrupted shipments and raised concerns over global food security.

The country now expects to export 38-40 million tons of grain in the July-June season, down from a previous forecast of 43 million tons. The revision comes after Russia's attacks effectively halted shipments from Ukraine's key Black Sea ports in late July.

Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi said shipowners temporarily stopped sending vessels to Ukrainian Black Sea ports to load agricultural products from July 22, and alternative export routes won't reach full capacity until the end of August. Even at full capacity, land and river routes would handle less than half the volume normally shipped through Ukraine's Black Sea ports.

The disruption could create an 11 million-ton grain storage shortfall, according to Ukraine's agriculture ministry. The losses to Ukraine's agricultural sector from the port blockade are estimated to reach $3 billion.