Ukraine Gate- Kyiv – April 4, 2022- A spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy issued a statement stating that Ukraine’s exports of goods have halved compared to a threefold increase in imports as a result of Russian aggression.
“In March 2022, exports of Ukrainian goods fell by half, imports – more than three times. Exports of metals and agricultural products have been particularly hard hit, while exports of a number of deep-processed goods have remained virtually unchanged from pre-war times, ”the statement said.
In March, Ukraine exported 5.97 million tons of products worth $ 2.7 billion. While in February the state exported 13.1 million tons of goods worth $ 5.3 billion. Currently, the main export items are ores, corn, ferroalloys and oil.
Metal exports decreased significantly. In particular, exports of flat products fell almost 10 times – from 437 thousand tons in February to 47 thousand tons in March. For some items of metallurgy, exports were not carried out at all. This is primarily due to the physical destruction of metallurgical facilities and the cessation of production.
During March, Ukraine exported 1.1 million tons of corn, 309 thousand tons of wheat, 118 thousand tons of sunflower oil, 40 thousand tons of soybeans. This is 4 times less than in February.
At the same time, due to the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s imports suffered significant losses. If in February the state imported 5 million tons of goods worth $ 5.9 billion, in March – 1.6 million tons worth $ 1.8 billion. Today, the most important items of import to Ukraine are gas, oil, oil products and coal.
At the same time, exports of many products with deep processing remained at the level of the previous month and even increased. This is, for example, cable products, which were exported for 111 million dollars. ($ 130 million in February) or wood veneer sheets – $ 32 million. against 26 million dollars. in February.
“The enemy is deliberately undermining the economy of our country by blocking domestic exports. The traditional way of exporting goods was the Black Sea ports, which are now blocked by Russia. In addition, the occupiers are attacking metallurgical enterprises and agricultural infrastructure to prevent the restoration of our capabilities in the future, “said First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyridenko.
She said the government was responding quickly to these challenges.
“We are increasing the capacity of rail, road and river transport on the western border of Ukraine, attracting producers, traders, transport companies. The remnants of basic crops in Ukraine are enough to ensure exports. noted Sviridenko.
