USDA Cuts Ukrainian Grain Export Forecasts Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has revised its forecast for Ukrainian grain exports due to ongoing Russian attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure. The new estimates are significantly lower than previous projections, with wheat exports expected to reach only 10.8 million tons in the 2026/27 marketing year.
This is a significant reduction from the initial estimate of 14.5 million tons, while corn export forecasts have been cut to 14 million tons from 23 million tons. The barley export forecast remains at 2.5 million tons, but rye exports are expected to be much lower, at just 1,000 tons.
The USDA attributes the revised forecasts to increased Russian aggression, which has caused shipowners to reconsider operating in the region. This shortage of available vessels is expected to impact grain exports.