THE CURRENT STATE OF AGRICULTURAL LOGISTICS IN UKRAINE AND PROSPECTS FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT
THE CURRENT STATE OF AGRICULTURAL LOGISTICS IN UKRAINE AND PROSPECTS FOR ITS DEVELOPMENT
Kovalenko А., postgraduate student, National Scientific Centre “Institute of Agrarian Economics” ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6395-1360
Abstract. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and development prospects of Ukraine’s agricultural logistics under wartime conditions. It examines key transport modalities – sea, rail, road, river – and warehouse infrastructure for the agrifood sector. We analyze statistical data on volumes of grain transportation before and after the 2022 invasion (including tables of internal freight by mode and official export figures) and identify the main causes of observed changes: blockade of Black Sea ports by the Russian fleet, destruction of bridges and elevators, and the shift to alternative routes. In 2022–2023 Ukraine redirected exports via land (Poland, Romania, Slovakia) and river ports (Danube). 90% of exports still go by sea via the Odesa corridor, supplemented by the river and overland “grain corridor.” 2022/23 exports reached ~37.2 Mt (20.6 Mt by the maritime corridor, 16.6 Mt by alternate routes). The war destroyed roughly one-fifth of storage capacity, forcing rapid adaptation (FAO provided tens of thousands of temporary storage bags and modules). We discuss current bottlenecks (logistics costs rose to ~40% of sale price, overloaded rail transit, critical need for storage) and outline investment needs. Key priorities include rebuilding and modernizing ports and river terminals, reconstructing transport corridors (bridges, rail links), expanding storage (new elevators, modular silos) and digitalizing logistics. The review draws on recent literature, expert reports, and official data (including the World Bank Logistics Performance Index) to highlight strategies that will enhance Ukraine’s logistics resilience and export capacity in the medium term.
Keywords: agricultural logistics, transport infrastructure, elevator capacities, grain corridor, port blockade, investments.