TRUCK
As of May 27, exports of agricultural products by road transport amounted to 269.7 thousand tons, which is a 6.6% increase compared to the same period in April. Growth in agro-exports was observed at all border crossing points.
The largest increase was recorded on the Moldovan and Romanian routes, where the volume of agricultural goods cleared rose by 16.1% and 7.8%, reaching 47.1 thousand tons and 66.3 thousand tons, respectively. At the Slovak and Polish borders, the respective figures increased by 4.7% and 3.7%, amounting to 14.1 thousand tons and 109 thousand tons. The smallest increase was observed at the Hungarian border, where agro-exports rose by 2.8% to 33.1 thousand tons.
Sugar (33.1 thousand tons) and sunflower oil (29.2 thousand tons) remained the primary export commodities during this period.
Market freight rates for road transport to European destinations continue to decline, while prices for domestic routes have remained unchanged.
Market rates for dump trucks within Ukraine:
- Cntr. Ukraine – Danube ports @35-44$
- Cntr. Ukraine – Odesa ports @25-28$
Market rates for dump trucks to Europe:
- Ternopil region – Cntr. / N. Italy @100-125€
- Ternopil region – Cntr. Bulgaria @70-100€
- Cntr. Ukraine – S. Romania @100-110€
Market rates for tents trucks to Europe:
- Ternopil region – Cntr. / N. Italy @80-113€
- Ternopil region – Cntr. Bulgaria @60-75€
- Cntr. Ukraine – S. Romania @66-83€
RAIL
At the end of May, the tariff situation in the rail freight segment for agricultural products remains unchanged — the market is in a waiting mode ahead of the expected tariff review in June. This temporary stability provides a certain degree of predictability in logistics costs; however, the overall outlook remains tense due to potential initiatives aimed at revising the current tariff-setting approach.
In particular, as previously reported, Ukrzaliznytsia is considering an increase in freight rates for container shipments exceeding 26 tons. This initiative is aimed at leveling the playing field between containerized cargo and grain transportation in specialized grain wagons. However, industry representatives warn that implementing such a measure could reduce the attractiveness of container logistics — especially under wartime conditions, where container transport is sometimes the only viable alternative.
Additional pressure on the market stems from the planned 37% increase in general freight tariffs, as outlined in Ukrzaliznytsia’s financial plan for 2025. According to estimates by the State Enterprise “Ukrpromzovnisheksppertyza,” such a move could lead to a 1.18% drop in GDP (approximately UAH 95.8 billion) and a nearly 3% reduction in exports (around UAH 97.8 billion). This reinforces concerns about rising logistics costs in the critically important agricultural sector.
Market rates within Ukraine:
- Zhytomyr region
– border @18-22$
– port @20-24$
- Chernihiv region
– border @19-23$
– port @21-24$
- Cherkasy region
– border @20-25$
– port @17-23$
- Ternopil region
– border @13-15$
– port @18-25$
Market rates to Europe:
- Chop – Northeast Italy @39-40€
- Dorohusk – NW. Germany @38-43€
- Dorohusk – W. Netherlands @40-49€
WATER
Activity in the Black Sea maritime freight market remains subdued. As the grain export season draws to a close, shipment volumes from Ukraine are declining, and new booking inquiries are scarce, which continues to exert downward pressure on freight rates. Demand remains weak, while shipowners are showing little flexibility, even on spot fixtures.
There are currently no fundamental drivers for rate recovery. A potential rebound is expected only with the onset of the new marketing season, when the first volumes of the new harvest become available for export.
Market rates for coasters:
- Izmail – Romania (1-3k mt) @8-9€
- Izmail – Italy (5-7k mt) @29-30$
Market rates for handy:
- Chornomorsk – Italy (30-35k mt) @16-17$
- Chornomorsk – Spain (25-30k mt) @17-19$