German grain trader Getreide AG is increasing its role in Ukrainian rapeseed exports after a strong 2025/26 marketing year. The company exported 350 thousand tonnes of Ukrainian rapeseed, more than in the previous season, despite export duties and a difficult market environment.
The last vessel with Ukrainian rapeseed from that season was loaded two weeks before the new outlook was discussed. The company does not plan to build artificial cooperative schemes for duty-free exports and instead continues working with its established partners. This is important because buyers and producers are trying to balance commercial flexibility with regulatory discipline.
Sea logistics changed the business model
The growth was helped by better logistics. Early shipments through Poland by road were difficult, with border constraints and unpredictable delays. The situation is now more stable, and most of Getreide’s rapeseed exports from Ukraine move by sea. All 350 thousand tonnes in the previous season were shipped by vessels.
For the 2026/27 marketing year, the company plans to increase purchases again. More than 200 thousand tonnes have already been contracted through December. If supply, logistics and prices align, total purchases may reach 400 thousand tonnes or move toward half a million tonnes.
The company works with a group of roughly 12 to 13 large farmers that provided most of last season’s volume. For Ukrainian agriculture, this shows how reliable producer relationships and improved port logistics can support export growth even when duties, border issues and wartime risk remain part of the cost structure.
