The Opening of the Maritime Corridor Expanded Markets for Ukrainian Exporters

In 2023, the launch of the Ukrainian maritime corridor significantly changed the geography of the country’s exports, opening new opportunities for Ukrainian enterprises. According to the National Bank of Ukraine, this corridor allowed for the resumption of goods supplies to traditional markets in Asia and Africa, where delivery by other means of transport was complicated or completely impossible. This enabled Ukrainian exporters to strengthen their positions in international markets and explore new, exotic destinations.

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In particular, last year saw exports to countries such as Dominica, Laos, Malawi, Eswatini, and East Timor, indicating an expansion of the geography of Ukrainian exports. Data for 2024 shows that the physical volumes of imported goods increased by 7.8%, while maritime transport volumes rose by 60%. The mainstay of maritime imports remained chemical products, which accounted for 40% of total imports, with 20% being fertilizers, and petroleum products making up 32% of total imports.

The Impact of the Maritime Corridor on Industry and Foreign Trade Opportunities

In 2024, producers in the mining and metallurgical complex (MMC) gained the opportunity to use maritime routes for exporting their products without hindrance. This positively affected the growth of external supplies, although the export of these products is still hindered by challenges related to military actions in the country and Russian aggression. At the same time, the volumes of grain transportation through the maritime corridor last year were close to the levels of 2021, indicating a stabilization of grain exports in the global market.