In 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia transported 28.86 million tons of grain cargo, a decrease of 27.3%, or 10.85 million tons, compared to 39.71 million tons in 2024. This is the lowest figure in the last ten years. Valeriy Tkachev, Deputy Director of Ukrzaliznytsia’s Commercial Department, released the relevant data.
Export shipments traditionally accounted for the bulk of the volume, reaching 25.48 million tons, a 25% decrease from the previous year. Domestic shipments decreased by 43% to 3 million tons, transit shipments increased by 28% to 33,000 tons, and imports increased by 44% to 18,500 tons. Moreover, 92% of grain exports, or 23.45 million tonnes, were delivered by rail to seaports in 2025, with another 2.03 million tonnes (8%) delivered via land border crossings.
The decline in grain transportation volumes at Ukrzaliznytsia is primarily explained by the high comparative base of 2024, when record exports were recorded due to the postponement of the 2023 harvest following the opening of the grain corridor. Valeriy Tkachev cited additional factors including a deterioration in the price environment for Ukrainian grain in late 2025 due to increased competition on global markets, a reduction in sales by farmers in anticipation of higher prices, a shift in the corn harvest by almost a month, and logistical difficulties in November and December caused by disruptions to rail and port infrastructure.