EBA discusses alternative export routes with the Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport and Ukrzaliznytsia

10/ 08/ 2026

On 7 August, the Logistics Committee of the European Business Association met with representatives of the Ministry of Recovery, Infrastructure and Transport of Ukraine and JSC Ukrzaliznytsia. The participants discussed options for maintaining stable exports amid intensified attacks on transport infrastructure. Representatives of Ukrzaliznytsia presented alternative logistics options for grain cargoes and products of the mining and metals sector. The main export routes remain the ports of Greater Odesa, the Danube ports and western border crossings. According to experts, the Odesa route currently retains approximately 1 million tonnes of spare monthly cargo capacity. Particular attention was paid to alternative routes through Polish and Romanian ports. Ukrzaliznytsia presented businesses with calculations of logistics costs for different routes and called on companies to take the capacity of border crossings into account when planning shipments in order to distribute cargo flows more evenly. During a presentation on the transportation of mining and metals products, Ukrzaliznytsia reported that alternative routes are available for the export of ore and ferrous metals, with most shipments passing through Polish border crossings to European ports. Ukrzaliznytsia representatives also reported on efforts to renew the locomotive fleet and negotiations with European partners to secure additional rolling stock to address the traction shortage. In addition, businesses were invited to provide feedback on the potential use of routes through Moldova. If there is sufficient demand, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to explore the possibility of introducing incentivised tariff arrangements. During the discussion, representatives of Association member companies highlighted a number of issues requiring joint solutions. These included the impact of tariff restrictions on Ukrainian metallurgical exports to the European Union, the need to identify new markets, and the limited capacity of the ports of Izmail and Reni to handle significant volumes of ore. Businesses also emphasised the importance of temporary government support measures for exporters during periods of heightened logistics risks. Following the meeting, Ukrzaliznytsia asked Association member companies to provide information on their main export routes and projected transportation volumes. This will help improve the planning of alternative logistics capacity and facilitate the joint development of solutions to ensure stable exports of Ukrainian goods.

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Representatives of Ukrzaliznytsia presented alternative logistics options for grain cargoes and products of the mining and metals sector. The main export routes remain the ports of Greater Odesa, the Danube ports and western border crossings. According to experts, the Odesa route currently retains approximately 1 million tonnes of spare monthly cargo capacity.

Particular attention was paid to alternative routes through Polish and Romanian ports. Ukrzaliznytsia presented businesses with calculations of logistics costs for different routes and called on companies to take the capacity of border crossings into account when planning shipments in order to distribute cargo flows more evenly.

During a presentation on the transportation of mining and metals products, Ukrzaliznytsia reported that alternative routes are available for the export of ore and ferrous metals, with most shipments passing through Polish border crossings to European ports.

Ukrzaliznytsia representatives also reported on efforts to renew the locomotive fleet and negotiations with European partners to secure additional rolling stock to address the traction shortage. In addition, businesses were invited to provide feedback on the potential use of routes through Moldova. If there is sufficient demand, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to explore the possibility of introducing incentivised tariff arrangements.

During the discussion, representatives of Association member companies highlighted a number of issues requiring joint solutions. These included the impact of tariff restrictions on Ukrainian metallurgical exports to the European Union, the need to identify new markets, and the limited capacity of the ports of Izmail and Reni to handle significant volumes of ore. Businesses also emphasised the importance of temporary government support measures for exporters during periods of heightened logistics risks.

Following the meeting, Ukrzaliznytsia asked Association member companies to provide information on their main export routes and projected transportation volumes. This will help improve the planning of alternative logistics capacity and facilitate the joint development of solutions to ensure stable exports of Ukrainian goods.