International demand for Ukrainian wheat remains stable despite the effective halt of grain exports through ports in the Odessa region due to intensified Russian attacks.
According to UkrAgroConsult, some export shipments are already being redirected through the Danube ports, with subsequent shipment via the Romanian port of Constanța.
The capacity of the Danube route is currently limited. Due to a drop in the water level of approximately 1.5 meters, navigation is possible mainly for vessels with a shallow draft, limiting grain transshipment volumes.
“Despite these difficulties, the market continues to conclude new export contracts. According to traders, on July 26, a deal was confirmed for the supply of Ukrainian wheat with 11.5% protein content from Izmail at $262 per metric ton CIF Alexandria,” analysts added.
Market participants note that the Danube remains an important alternative export route. However, due to its limited capacity, low water levels, and higher logistics costs, it cannot fully replace the deep-water ports in the Odessa region.
“The resumption of operations at Black Sea ports remains a key condition for restoring full-scale Ukrainian grain exports,” the experts concluded.
