Ukraine to export 17 million tonnes of grains

In 2009-10 marketing year, grain exports from Ukraine are expected to be in the range of 16 million to 17 million tonnes, down from 25 million tonnes in 2008-09 marketing year.

Ukraine has exported nearly 15 million tonnes of grains to date, according to Andrew Chopik, the deputy director of the department of development of agrarian market of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy.

In 2008-09 marketing year, non-government companies supplied 85-90% of grain exports, while private grain terminals provided 75% of the export shipments, said Chopik.

He said the government will continue to play a bigger role in grain exports.

The government allowed the Agrarian Fund to export 500,000 tonnes of grains in the current marketing year, he said. Grain shipment capacities in Ukraine total 30-32 million tonnes per year. In the nearest five to seven years, the capacity will grow by eight to 10 million tonnes, as private companies build new terminals.