Ukrainian Corn Poised to Replace U.S. Supply Amid New Tariffs

Countries worldwide are preparing retaliatory tariffs in response to new import duties announced by the U.S. President Donald Trump. These measures could drive up prices and weaken demand for American goods, creating an opportunity for Ukraine—one of the world’s top corn producers and exporters, Reuters reports.

‘If key importers do end up imposing tariffs on U.S. corn, it will open a huge window of opportunity for alternative suppliers,’ stated ASAP Agri consultancy.

Experts highlight Ukraine’s competitive pricing, stable logistics, and strong trade ties with the EU and Asia as key advantages. While Brazil remains the primary alternative supplier, its harvest alone cannot meet global demand—leaving space for Ukraine to step in.

Barva Invest analysts note that Ukraine views the U.S. as a competitor rather than a trade partner in the grain and oilseeds market. As a result, any countermeasures against American exports could significantly reshape global trade dynamics.

According to the UCAB business association, Ukraine exported nearly 30 million tons of corn in the 2023-24 season and is likely to export 22 million tons in 2024-25.

As The Gaze reports, On 2 April, Trump officially announced the start of a trade war with all countries of the world simultaneously, announcing tariffs of 10% to 50% on imports to the US. 

The Ukrainian government has reacted to the new tariffs naming the situation ‘difficult, but not critical’.