Ukraine eyes Moldova rail corridor for grain exports amid Black Sea risks

Ukraine is exploring a new railway corridor through Moldova to export its grain, seeking a safer alternative to the increasingly perilous Black Sea routes. Sources in both countries confirmed that Kyiv has requested reduced transit tariffs from Chișinău for this proposed rail link.

The initiative comes as Ukrainian grain exports via its maritime ports, including those utilizing the "security corridor" towards Romania, have faced escalating difficulties. Intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian shipping and port infrastructure have made the sea route a high-risk option.

According to Ukrainian and Moldovan sources, the plan involves transporting grain through Moldovan territory to reach the Romanian port of Constanța. Ukraine is pushing for a 50% reduction on the standard freight tariff. "We are currently collecting information on potential volumes from interested shippers. The data collection process is not yet complete," a senior Ukrainian industry official told Reuters.

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We are currently collecting information on potential volumes from interested shippers. The data collection process is not yet complete.

A source within Moldova's railway company indicated that Ukraine requested the 50% discount during negotiations. Moldova, in turn, has asked Ukraine for guarantees regarding the volume of grain to be transported via this route. "Currently, the parties are discussing the timelines and volumes for the transit of Ukrainian grain through the Republic of Moldova to the port of Constanța," the source added.

Former director of Moldova Railways, Oleg Tofilat, estimated that a transit rail corridor through Moldova could handle 4.5 million tons of grain annually. Ukrainian estimates suggest a fully functional corridor could facilitate 10% of the country's total grain exports. Moldova previously facilitated Ukrainian grain rail transport between 2022 and 2023, potentially earning millions of euros from transit fees. Ukrainian Agricultural Policy Minister Taras Vysotskyi recently lowered the country's grain export forecast for the 2026-2027 season to 38-40 million tons, down from a previous estimate of 43 million tons, citing the impact of Russian attacks.

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Currently, the parties are discussing the timelines and volumes for the transit of Ukrainian grain through the Republic of Moldova to the port of Constanța.