Ukrainian grain exports in the first 17 days of October were just 2.4% lower than in the same period of 2021 despite theclosure of several seaports and the Russian invasion, the country's agriculture ministry said.
Reutersreports the ministry's data showed that Ukraine has exported 2.12 million tonnes of grain, mostly corn and wheat, so far in October, versus 2.17 million tonnes in the same period of October, 2021.
The data also showed that Ukraine has exported a total of 10.8 million tonnes of grain so far in the 2022/23 July-June season compared with 16.5 million in the same period of 2021/22.
Will Russia exit the Black Sea grains deal?
In July, Russia and Ukraine signed a U.N.-backed deal toreopen three Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The agreement is set to expire November 19.
Both Russia and Ukraine are seeking modifications to the deal.
Last week, Moscowsubmitted concerns to the United Nationsabout the agreement on Black Sea grain exports, saying Russia was prepared to reject renewing the deal next month unless its demands are addressed.
Moscow has repeatedly complained about its implementation, arguing it still facesdifficulty selling fertilizer and food.
According to aBloombergreport, the Kremlin now also wants its ammonia pipeline to Odesa to reopen if the 120-day deal is to be extended.
Ukraine wants an extension and asks for a fourth port to be added: Mykolaiv.
Related:Bloomberghas done an in-depth investigation onhow Russian ships are laundering grain stolen from occupied Ukraine.
