KIEV: Ukraine plans to export 17 million tonnes of corn in 2015/16 agricultural year (July-June), which is 9.75% down on the previous agricultural year (18.837 million tonnes), the press service of the Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry has reported, referring to Minister Oleksiy Pavlenko. He said that gross corn harvest this would be 24.5 million tonnes.
“Taking into account ending stocks, corn supply on the Ukrainian market would be 28.7 million tonnes. The needs of the domestic market amount to 7.8 million tonnes. It is planned to export almost 17 million tonnes,” reads the report.
Pavlenko said that China remains the key importer of Ukrainian corn. In January-July 2015 Ukraine exported grain crops (mainly corn) worth $578.3 million to China, which is four times up year-over-year.
“Around two months ago the news that Ukraine has become the top exporter of corn to China was spread, and thus, Ukraine got ahead of the United States. In January-May 2015, the share of Ukrainian corn imported by China reached 90%, or over 1.5 million tonnes,” the press service said, citing Pavlenko.
The minister added that despite the difficult situation on the Chinese stock market and the global corn price falling trend, Ukraine plans not only to retain leading positions on the Chinese market, but also to boost exports.
“We have all the conditions for this: the 2015/16 harvest and the interest of partners in continuing regular supplies of Ukrainian products. China is trying to guarantee food security for its population. Ukraine offers high-quality products in large volumes, which is in line with the requirements of eastern partners,” Pavlenko said.
The ministry said that in January-June 2015 turnover of agricultural goods between Ukraine and China rose by 84.3%, to $832.4 million. In 2014, turnover of agricultural goods between Ukraine and China totaled $931.9 million, which is 36.6% up from a year ago.
