From 2019 to 2021, Ukraine remained one of the largest suppliers of grain crops to the global market. In the 2019 marketing year, the country exported 63.3 million metric tons of major grain crops. The largest volumes were accounted for by corn, wheat, and barley. This was reported by Dengi.ua, citing an infographic from “Slovo i Dilo.”
Specifically, 32.3 million metric tons of corn worth $5.2 billion, 20 million metric tons of wheat worth $3.6 billion, and 4.1 million metric tons of barley worth $710 million were exported. Soybean exports totaled 3.6 million metric tons ($1.1 billion), and rapeseed exports totaled 3.2 million metric tons ($1.2 billion). Sunflower seed exports were the smallest: a total of 80,000 metric tons worth $34.6 million.
In 2020, grain exports reached 55.4 million metric tons, with a total value of $11.1 billion. In 2021, Ukraine sold 54.4 million metric tons of grain abroad, worth $14.6 billion. Corn, wheat, and barley continued to form the bulk of exports during these years.
How the Full-Scale War Affected Grain Exports
After the Russian invasion began in February 2022, maritime shipments of Ukrainian agricultural products virtually came to a halt. The situation was partially stabilized thanks to the “grain deal,” which took effect in mid-summer and allowed exports to resume through seaports.
As a result, by the end of 2022, sales volumes for certain crops not only approached pre-war levels but actually exceeded them. For example, Ukraine exported 25 million metric tons of corn - 300,000 metric tons more than in 2021. Overseas shipments of soybeans and rapeseed also increased.
Exports of sunflower seeds grew particularly significantly, reaching a record high for the entire period under review in 2022 - 2.75 million metric tons, compared to just 80,000 metric tons a year earlier. The total value of exported grain crops amounted to $14.5 billion.
In 2023, Ukraine supplied 52 million metric tons of grains to foreign markets, with a total value of $10.9 billion. Compared to the previous year, export volumes of corn, wheat, soybeans, and barley increased. At the same time, shipments of rapeseed and sunflower seeds declined.
In 2024, Ukrainian grain exports rose to 61.2 million metric tons. Revenue from these sales totaled $12.6 billion. Compared to 2023, shipments of corn, wheat, rapeseed, and barley increased.
However, the trend changed in 2025. According to customs data, Ukraine exported 38.4 million metric tons of major grain crops - less than in the first two years of the full-scale war. The total value of exports also declined, amounting to $9.4 billion.
Among the reasons for the decline in export figures in 2025 were new Russian attacks on maritime infrastructure, increased competition in the international market, and a locust infestation.
From January through September 2026, Ukraine exported 29.2 million metric tons of grain products with a total value of $6.9 billion. The bulk of the exports consisted of corn, wheat, rapeseed, and soybeans. Sales volumes of barley and sunflower seeds were significantly lower.
