Ukraine Considers Rail Route Through Moldova Amid Ongoing Port Disruptions

Ukraine is exploring an alternative route for grain exports through Moldova by rail, citing increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian shipping and port infrastructure. According to sources in both countries, Kyiv has asked Moldovan authorities for a low freight tariff to transport its grain via Moldova to the Romanian port of Constanța with a 50% discount.

A senior Ukrainian industry official told Reuters that they are gathering information on potential volumes from interested shippers, but the process has not yet been completed. A source with Moldovan Railways said Ukraine had sought the 50% discount during discussions and proposed providing guarantees of volumes of Ukrainian grain to be transported.

The former head of Moldovan Railways estimated that a transit rail corridor through Moldova could carry 4.5 million metric tons annually, while Ukrainian estimates say that a working corridor could provide for 10% of the country's exports. Moldova had already provided rail transport for Ukrainian grain in 2022-2023.

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said his country should not lose the opportunity to earn millions of euros in transit revenue from Ukrainian grain cargos, dismissing concerns that the price of Ukrainian grain would undercut their own produce.