Heatwaves may add pressure to Ukraine grain exports and global food markets

The Danube is expected to be used to transport Ukraine grain following the expiration of the Black Sea deal. However, the river is nearly 40% lower than the average level in July because of high temperatures, according to Romania’s water management institution.

Rail and road routes will be key for exports. Pictue: Anatoli Stepanov/AFP via Getty Images

The threat of Russian aggression towards Ukraine’s Black Sea ports and ships will force the country to export its enormous quantities of grain by river, road and rail — all of which are fraught with challenges.

After exiting the Black Sea grain export deal earlier this week, Russia announced that all ships headed to Ukrainian ports will now be considered military vessels. With harvests coming in, that means Ukrainian farmers will no longer be able to rely on the route that was used to move about half of last season’s crops.