The introduction of the Ukrainian Black Sea Corridor in 2023 significantly impacted the geographical structure of goods exports. It enabled the resumption of deliveries to traditional destinations in Asia and Africa, where transport by other means was either challenging or impossible. Simultaneously, Ukrainian exporters have expanded into new and exotic markets. For example, last year saw recorded exports to Dominica, Laos, Malawi, Eswatini, East Timor, among others.
In 2024, the physical volume of goods imports rose by 7.8%, while sea transportation surged by 60%. The primary goods imported by sea were chemical products (40% in 2024, with fertilizers accounting for 20%) and petroleum products (32%).
In 2024, mining and metallurgical companies gained unrestricted access to sea routes, which boosted external supplies, although exports of these products face constraints due to the ongoing war. Meanwhile, the volume of grain transportation through the sea corridor last year was nearly at 2021’s level.