A significant gap remains between domestic corn prices in Ukraine and purchase prices at Danube ports. Since the beginning of the week, bids at Danube terminals have increased by $2–6/t, reaching mainly $167–175/t CPT port as of September 23. Strong export demand and higher European market quotations are supporting prices.
At the same time, domestic prices remain under pressure from the arrival of the new harvest. In central and eastern regions, corn is currently being purchased at around UAH 5,500–6,000/t EXW, down UAH 100–500/t over the week. Demand is stronger in western Ukraine, where traders are offering UAH 7,000–7,500/t FCA for September deliveries due to existing supply contracts with European buyers.
Logistics remains the main factor limiting further price growth. Transportation through Danube ports, as well as road and rail deliveries to Constanța, can cost $100–140/t. Long waiting times at navigation channels, war-related risks and rising sea freight rates create additional pressure. As a result, exporters have to factor substantial logistics costs into their purchase prices.
Meanwhile, demand from the European Union remains strong. Since the beginning of the 2026/27 season, EU corn imports have increased by 26.9% to 4.47 million tonnes, while shipments from Ukraine have roughly doubled to 1.4 million tonnes. Ukraine’s share of total EU corn imports has reached 31.4%. The external market is therefore providing support for Ukrainian corn, but further price dynamics will largely depend on the cost and availability of export logistics.