After Russian strikes on Black Sea ports, Ukraine overhauls payment terms for agricultural exports

Settlement rules for export deals under revision

According to 5 канал — Економіка: Ukrainian producers shipping certain farm goods now face a different framework for contract payments. The government’s decision follows serious logistics bottlenecks caused by Russian military operations in the Black Sea region. Under the updated procedure, the Economy Ministry may extend foreign-currency settlement deadlines by up to 180 days when exporters submit an application. Serhiy Koretskyi made the announcement.

Russian attacks on civilian ships and port facilities forced Ukrainian exporters to reroute deliveries, making transport times significantly longer. The revised maximum settlement periods apply to the following agricultural commodities:

• wheat
• corn
• soybeans
• sunflower seed
• sunflower oil
• oilcake

What may lie ahead for exports

Forecasts for the next few seasons suggest that Ukraine’s farm exports could decline substantially. In the 2026–2027 marketing year, total outbound volumes may drop by 54%, reaching approximately 29.6 million tons. These projections reflect how Russian pressure on seaports in the Black Sea continues to obstruct the flow of Ukrainian agricultural goods.

Recent maritime incidents have heightened these worries. After a Russian attack, a foreign merchant vessel sank, and a Russian drone struck a Chinese cargo ship inside Ukraine’s territorial waters. Such events underscore the extreme perils facing international shipping in the area and demonstrate why clearer, more adaptable trade rules are essential to maintain the country’s agricultural export performance.

The new payment regulations could give Ukrainian farmers more flexibility to navigate wartime disruptions and stay competitive in overseas markets.

Given the projected drop in trade volumes, Ukraine still needs innovative ways to strengthen supply chains and mitigate security threats in the Black Sea. With global attention fixed on Ukrainian grain supplies, ensuring smoother export operations remains a key priority for the country’s economy.

The ongoing Russian blockade has severely impacted Ukraine's ability to export grain, limiting shipments to only a fraction of their potential. This situation highlights the urgent need for adaptive measures in trade practices. For a deeper understanding of the consequences of these restrictions, you can read more about how the blockade has reduced Ukraine's grain exports to just one-third of normal levels here.