Ukrainian agricultural exports jump 50% in Sept - association

MOSCOW. Oct 4 (Interfax) - Ukraine exported 6.9 million tonnes of agricultural products in September, 52% more than in the previous month, the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club (UCAB) association said.

"Exports of Ukrainian agribusiness products are growing by 50% for the second consecutive month already - with the operation of the 'grain corridor' from Odesa region ports. The share of exports of all types of products through this channel amounted to 56% in September," UCAB said in a statement on its website.

The country exported 4.4 million tonnes of grain in September, 68% more than in August, the UCAB said. This included 2.16 million tonnes or 49% corn, 1.8 million tonnes or 41% wheat and 440,000 tonnes or 10% barley.

Ukraine also exported 1.3 million tonnes of oil crops in September, 33% more than in August. This included 871,000 tonnes or 67% rapeseed, 247,000 tonnes or 19% soybeans and 182,000 tonnes or 14% sunflower seeds.

Vegetable oil exports rose by 37% to 543,000 tonnes, including 505,000 tonnes or 93% sunflower oil and 21,700 tonnes or 4% soybean oil. Exports of sunflower and soy meal and cake increased by 20% to 382,000 tonnes.

"The continuation of this trend in agricultural exports could facilitate the gradual growth of prices on the domestic market and give farmers a financial foundation for conducting both fall and spring planting. At present, the financial means of farmers remain critical due to low prices on the domestic market for the main types of export-oriented crops and their substantial stocks. This has already led to the reduction of planting area for winter crops and only stable exports can balance the situation in the spring," the UCAB said.

Ukraine exported 4.6 million tonnes of agribusiness products in August, up from 3.0 million tonnes in July and 2.7 million tonnes in June, the UCAB reported earlier.