Ukrainian Wheat Exports Find New Route Amid Odesa Port Disruptions

Ukrainian wheat exports have been severely disrupted due to Russian attacks on the ports of Greater Odesa, but international demand remains strong. Analysts note that part of the export volumes are being rerouted through the Danube ports, with shipments handled via the Romanian port of Constanța.

However, the capacity of the Danube route is limited due to low water levels in the river. Navigation is currently possible mainly for vessels with a shallow draft, restricting grain transshipment volumes.

Despite these challenges, market participants continue to conclude new export contracts. On July 26, a deal was confirmed for the supply of Ukrainian wheat from Izmail at $262 per tonne CIF Alexandria, with 11.5% protein.

The Danube remains an important alternative export corridor, but it cannot fully replace the deep-water ports of Greater Odesa due to limited throughput capacity and higher logistics costs.