Ukrainian seaports exported 1.4 million tons of iron ore in October

Ukrainian seaports more than doubled iron ore transshipment in October 2024 compared to October 2023, up to 1.4 million tons. This is stated in the press release of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

The total cargo turnover of ports for the month amounted to 8 million tons, which is 60% more than last year. Traditionally, the bulk of cargo traffic is formed by agricultural products and ore. Grain handling reached 5 million tons in the month, up 1.5 million tons yoy.

The Ukrainian Corridor plays a key role in ensuring export operations, with 6.8 million tons of cargo passing through it in October. Of these, 4.5 million tons were grains.

In January-October 2024, the total cargo turnover of Ukrainian ports reached 82.3 million tons, which is almost twice as much as in the same period last year (46.1 million tons).

“The results achieved are a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all port industry employees who, despite the difficult wartime conditions, ensure the smooth operation of our ports. The growth of cargo turnover is also an indicator of international partners’ confidence in Ukraine’s maritime export potential,” said Yuriy Lytvyn, USPA Chairman.

Increasing the volume of sea transportation is of strategic importance for Ukraine’s economy and strengthens its position as a reliable participant in global trade relations.

In September 2024,  cargo handling in ports amounted to 7.1 million tons (+2 times yoy). Grain and ore cargoes led the turnover with 4.1 million tons (2.3 million tons in 2023) and 1.3 million tons (249 thousand tons), respectively.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in 2023, Ukrainian ports increased cargo transshipment by 5% year-on-year – to 62 million tons, with iron ore transshipment accounting for 5.9% of total cargo turnover (1.9 million tons). This can be considered the beginning of the industry’s recovery after the difficult year of 2022, when port cargo turnover fell by 2.6 times compared to pre-war 2021.