Ukraine has exported almost 15.6 million tonnes of grain so far in the 2022/23 season, down 30.8% from the 22.5 million tonnes exported by the same stage of the previous season, according to a report from Reuters.
Ukraine agriculture ministry data showed the volume included almost 6 million tonnes of wheat, 8.3 million tonnes of corn and 1.3 million tonnes of barley.
Ministry data also showed that 2.36 million tonnes of various grains were exported in the first half of November, 22.4% less than in the same period in November 2021.
Russian blockade impacts Ukraine's exports
Since a U.N-backed deal in July allowed grain shipments to partially resume, Russia has been accused of deliberately holding up inspections to slow down grain shipments in an effort to discredit the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russia has also falsely alleged that grain shipments have not made it to countries that need it most.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said earlier this month Russia’s attacks and continued blocking of some Ukrainian ports have decreased Ukraine’s food exports by a third.
"Here’s the truth," said Greenfield in her statement. "The Initiative’s operations are not keeping pace with the strong global demand for Black Sea grain. Due to Russia’s deliberate slowdown of inspections, dozens of ships are waiting to depart. And dozens more are waiting for inspections before they can bring their grain cargo to the world."
This backlog means extra expense and extra delay for millions of tons of grain, a majority of which is destined for developing countries, said Greenfield.
"The backlog means 2.5 million tons of grain are just sitting there, waiting to move, and farmers in Ukraine are waiting to plant," Greenfield continued. "Some ships have been waiting for over a month. Grain is moving at just half the rate of the pace back in September and October."
The Initiative should operate as it was envisioned, moving five million tons of food per month, said Greenfield.
