Development of grain logistics in Ukraine

In the modern environment, new dangers are emerging that affect the current situation of grain logistics in Ukraine and must be countered to offset their adverse impact. The purpose of this study was to investigate the current trends in the grain logistics market and identify emerging challenges and threats, as well as to formulate an algorithm of actions for the development of the agricultural sector infrastructure during and after the war. When considering the problems and objectives of the study, the authors of the study employed scientific methods, namely: dialectical, systematic approach, comparative analysis, tabular and graphical, monographic, and deductive, which determined the method and sequence of solving the tasks. The study analysed the monthly dynamics of grain cargo transportation by rail for 2021-2024. The tariffs for internal and international transportation of grain crops by road, as well as the cost of procurement services of the branches of the Joint Stock Company “State Food and Grain Corporation of Ukraine” were investigated. The study found that during the period of martial law, the grain business adapted to the conditions that arose and was gradually restoring damaged property, expanding existing capacities, and building new ones. The study showed that in 2023-2024, 1.9 million tonnes of elevator capacities were built in the regions of Ukraine, including transshipment terminals, and the total elevator capacity at the beginning of 2024 was approximately 41.4 million tonnes. The key factors that contributed to the normalisation of trade logistics in 2022 were substantiated. The study analysed the exports and imports of grain crops by various modes of transport and examined the main buying countries and the largest exporters of Ukrainian grain. The study provides a scientific substantiation for the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Road Initiative. A reasoning was provided for the algorithm of actions for further development of the agricultural sector infrastructure during and after the end of the war to rebuild it. The use of the proposals set out in this study will enable a better assessment of the state of Ukraine’s grain logistics during the war and post-war reconstruction. The proposals and practical recommendations of the study may be useful for government officials, farmers, and other agricultural producers, as they can be used to develop relevant programmes and measures to support the development of grain logistics in Ukraine