Russian invasion to Ukraine threatens the world with food shortages

Ukraine – is one of the largest exporters of agricultural products, that provided a number of countries with food. For example, Ukraine supplied about 50% of global sunflower oil exports during 2017-2021, 15% of corn exports, 15% of barley and 10% of wheat.

The spring sowing campaign should start at the end of March. Active hostilities, as well as a shortage of diesel and fertilizer, can lead to a disruption in the sowing campaign and difficulties in providing food on a global scale.

The sowing campaign of spring wheat usually starts at the end of March, sunflower – in mid-April, corn – in the second half of April. The first to begin work are the Southern regions, where active hostilities are underway today. In total, as of March 4th, 10 regions of Ukraine were covered by hostilities, which in total accounted for 54% of sunflower crops, 42% of corn, 52% of wheat.

Delay in sowing for 15-20 days may lead to yield reduction by up to 35%. If hostilities continue, then the sowing campaign in a number of regions may not be held at all.

First of all, there may be global problems with the supply of sunflower oil and corn. As for wheat, despite the fact that winter crops, which were carried out at the end of the year, occupy more than 90% of the total crops, the export of this product from Ukraine is unlikely.

Agricultural products are becoming more expensive. Corn futures added 14% during 25th of Feb to 04th of March, wheat – 40%. It creates risks for the food supply of the least well-off countries with the worsening humanitarian situation not only in Ukraine, but also in Africa and the Middle East.

Read more in the analyst study GMK Center.

  • Global Market

Carbon prices in the EU increased by 7% in May

Carbon prices in the EU in May were characterized by volatility amid fluctuations in gas…

Sunday June 1, 2025
  • Global Market

Turkey increased steel production by 7% y/y in April

In April 2025, steel enterprises in Turkey increased steel production by 7% compared to April…

Saturday May 31, 2025
  • Global Market

EU imposes final anti-dumping duties on tinplate from China

The European Commission (EC) has announced its decision to impose final anti-dumping duties on imports…

Friday May 30, 2025
  • Companies

Poland’s JSW exceeded plans for coal production and sales in Q1

Poland's Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa (JSW), the largest coking coal producer in the EU, has announced…

Friday May 30, 2025
  • Global Market

Turkey increased steel exports by 14.4% y/y in April

In April, Turkey increased steel exports by 14.4% y/y – to 1.2 million tons. In…

Friday May 30, 2025
  • Global Market

The EU has almost exhausted its annual quota for imports of Russian pig iron in 3 months

In the first quarter of 2025, European companies almost exhausted the annual quota for imports…

Friday May 30, 2025