Ukraine's Grain Exports Plummet as Black Sea Ports Take Heavy Toll

Ukraine's Black Sea ports have lost about one-third of their capacity to export grain due to Russian missile and drone attacks, according to the country's main farmers' union. The Odesa region's three major ports are responsible for shipping over 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports, including grains and vegetable oils.

Under a deal meant to allow both countries to ship grain through the Black Sea, the Odesa ports were handling around 6 million metric tons of cargo per month. However, recent attacks by Russian forces have disrupted these operations.

The trading department of Ukraine's farmers' union, UAC, reported that they can now only ship about 4 million metric tons of grain a month, down from the previous capacity.