UKRAINE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS BLACK SEA GRAIN CORRIDOR
Ukraine’s Black Sea grain corridor that has so far transported 700,000 tonnes of grain was temporarily suspended on Oct. 26 due to a threat from Russian warplanes and sea mines, Reuters reported, citing Barva Invest consultancy and a British security firm. The suspension of vessel traffic to and from the ports was in force on Oct. 26, but it is possible that it could be extended. Barva Invest, which specializes in Ukraine’s agriculture sector, said a de facto suspension already had been in place for two days due to increased Russian Air Force activity in the area.
Ukraine’s new corridor does not go directly toward the Bosphorus Strait as it did under the initiative but hugs the coastlines of Ukraine and NATO members Romania and Bulgaria. Most exports are continuing to move via the Danube River via Romania. In September, 2.3 million tonnes of agricultural products were exported via the Danube Ports. Overall, 3.6 million tonnes of agricultural products were exported in September, including road and rail routes. Mykola Solskyi, Ukraine’s minister of agrarian policy and food, said at least 6 million tonnes needs to be exported per month.
(Link: WorldGrain)
