Ukraine’s Agricultural Sector — Second in Bankruptcies, but Leader in Exports

In 2025, the Ukrainian agricultural sector found itself in a situation where economic efficiency became the main priority, while opportunities for profit significantly diminished. At the same time, the industry demonstrated resilience, harvesting up to 80 million tons of grains and oilseeds despite all challenges.

This is reported by AgroReview

Challenges for Farmers and the Harvest Situation

A significant portion of the harvest remains in the fields, including about 3 million tons of corn in the border regions of Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv. Additionally, some areas of late crops, such as buckwheat, millet, and sunflower, have also been left unharvested.

“Similar situations occurred even before the war, as farmers’ decisions are influenced not only by security factors but also by price conditions,” explained Koval.

The Importance of Exports and Strategic Risks

A key task for the agricultural sector remains maintaining positions in foreign markets. If Ukraine loses these markets, it will be extremely difficult to regain lost positions, especially given the risk that they may be occupied by Russia. In 2025, the agro-industrial complex accounted for up to 55% of national exports, and every second dollar entering the economy has agricultural origins. Only one sector generated over 22 billion dollars in foreign currency earnings, which is a strategic indicator for the country.

At the same time, the sector is experiencing an increase in the number of bankrupt enterprises — the agricultural sector ranks second among all industries in Ukraine for this indicator. This creates additional threats to market stability.

In the current conditions, risk assessment, strategic planning, and effective cost management become particularly important. Logistics costs can completely negate margins, forcing farmers to implement systematic approaches to adaptation, as circumstances allow during wartime.