Ukraine facing rye shortage, boosting imports - analysts

MOSCOW. Dec 17 (Interfax) - Ukraine began importing rye in the first half of the 2025-2026 marketing year (July 2025-June 2026), having imported around 1,500 tonnes of the crop from July to mid-December, mainly from Poland and Germany, Ukrainian media reported, citing a statement from the UkrAgroConsult information and analytical agency.

"These are the largest rye imports recorded in at least the past four seasons," UkrAgroConsult analysts said.

The shift in the market balance indicates a decline in domestic supply and a growing need to cover demand through imports, they said. European countries have become the main suppliers of rye to Ukraine in the current season, whereas rye imports were minimal previously.

"However, as recently as the 2024-2025 MY, Ukraine had the status of a net exporter of rye. A total of 10,700 tonnes were shipped to foreign markets then, mostly to Spain and Israel. Rye was also imported but mainly towards the end of the season," the analysts said.

As reported, the Ukrainian Millers and Ukrainian Bakers industry associations said in the summer of 2025 that Ukraine has been short of rye and rye flour for several seasons in a row.

The reason for the shortage of rye is agricultural producers' reluctance to sow the crop, since its yield is one third lower than that of wheat, up to 40 centners per hectare versus 60 centners per ha, respectively. At the same time, rye is not one of the most popular export crops. There is a demand for it only in the domestic market. Previously, the entire shortage was covered by Belarus. It was difficult for Ukrainian farmers to compete with Minsk's supplies.

Business associations called on Ukrainian farmers to focus on the expediency of growing rye, which has become profitable due to the complication of grain exports.

Ukrainian Millers' Union director Rodion Rybchinsky said in the fall of 2025 that Ukraine would increase imports of rye and rye flour fivefold in the 2025-2026 season to 15,000-16,000 tonnes against 3,000 tonnes a year earlier.