Spain Remains One of the Main Destinations for Ukrainian Grain

Maize (Corn)

Irene Fantauzzi

Published Sep 21, 2022

In 2021, Ukraine was the second largest supplier of maize (corn) to Spain. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, Spanish importers found alternative supply origins, mainly Argentina and the US, which have guaranteed supply, especially for feed production. Resultantly, there have been no disruptions in supply to the Spanish market, although there have been price tensions.

With the grain agreement reached between Russia and Ukraine in July to allow a safe corridor in the Black Sea through which bulk carriers could navigate, slightly more than 2.7MMT of corn, wheat, barley, and other products have been exported to different international markets as of 12 September 2022. Approximately 10% of Ukrainian grain production remains blocked as a result of the war.

Spain continues to be one of the main destination countries for the grain that leaves Ukraine, although grain imports from Ukraine currently represent only 3% of the total. The Spanish minister of agriculture has opted to maintain the corridor in the Black Sea and intensify the imports of Ukrainian grain since it is the most efficient and least costly option. In addition, it contributes to the stabilisation of international markets. The grain agreement between Russia and Ukraine expires on 31 October 2022.