This marks the first release of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) grain export forecast for the 2025/26 marketing year, projecting wheat exports to reach 16.5 million tons, while corn exports are anticipated to hit 24 million tons. Although Ukraine’s wheat harvest is expected to slightly decline to 23 million tons, the USDA predicts an increase in corn production to 30.5 million tons. This year’s total forage crop harvest is projected at 37.04 million tons, with exports climbing to 27.58 million tons from the previous 24.48 million tons.
According to the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, from the start of the 2024-2025 marketing year until May 12, Ukraine has exported 36.4 million tons of grain and legumes, including 1.17 million tons in May alone. In comparison, by May 13 last year, total shipments amounted to 43.21 million tons, with 1.85 million tons sent in May.
Currently, farmers have planted 76% of the designated area for grain and leguminous crops, totaling over 4.3 million hectares. The government remains optimistic that the 2025 harvest will equal or exceed last year’s results.