Ukraine Faces a Sharp Drop in Exports as Border Blockade Continues
Ukraine’s export volume via freight transport fell by 40% in November due to protests by Polish truckers who closed the border. This arrangement was reported by the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy, highlighting the impact on trade flows and the broader economy.
In November, Ukrainian exports reached 9.2 million tons, while freight shipments totaled 783 thousand tons. The largest export volume moved through the Polish border at 282 thousand tons, a figure that is 40% lower than the level before the border disruptions began. Officials noted that the fall reflects the impact of the protest actions on major crossing points and the associated transport routes.
Officials stated that exports virtually halted at several border points. The ministry noted ongoing efforts to address the disruption. Although some details cannot be made public for strategic reasons, there is cautious optimism that dialogue on both sides can resolve the situation and restore smoother trade channels.
The border disruption contributed to a budget loss of 9.2 billion hryvnias in customs duties for November 2023, according to the head of the parliamentary tax committee. This shortfall represented about 19% of the planned revenue and was tied to the closures of crossings used by certain traffic flows. Officials emphasized that tax revenues support national security and defense spending, underscoring the broader fiscal impact of the disruption.
Presidential advisers noted that the border blockade did not hinder military supplies to Ukraine. Experts explained that while arms and military aid continue to be provided within the framework of Poland’s strategic assistance, commercial cargoes faced interruptions at affected crossings. Poland continues to meet its obligations by supporting Ukraine’s front-line needs while navigating the blocked routes.
Blockade Extends Over Almost a Month
The strike by Polish carriers began on 6 November, with three major border checkpoints closed: Dorohusk–Yagodzin, Korczowa–Krakovets, and Hrebenne–Rava-Ruska. A fourth crossing, Medyka–Shehyni, was added on 23 November. By 27 November, Polish farmers joined the action, broadening the protest’s reach.
Protesters demanded a return to pre-conflict transportation conditions for Ukrainian carriers, including restoring the permit system for commercial routes with limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and military supplies. They also called for suspending licenses for firms established in Ukraine after February 2022 and establishing separate queues for empty versus loaded vehicles. Long waits at the crossings created queues of thousands of trucks, with reports noting a 2,100-truck backlog the day before. Tragically, a few drivers were lost in the traffic congestion that formed at the borders.
Poland Outlines Demands
On 24 November, Poland’s acting Prime Minister directed the Minister of Transport to address the situation. Three days later, Polish officials urged Ukrainian authorities to lift the electronic queue at two border points for EU trucks returning empty from Ukraine. The Polish government argued that reinstating these controls would benefit both Ukrainian and Polish carriers and broader economic sectors. The Transport Ministry and Foreign Affairs office in Poland stated this position publicly.
Leaders requested support from European Union bodies, with the Transport Minister asking EU Transport Commissioner to participate in a joint committee to review how the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement affects the market. The aim was to discuss proposals at the upcoming EU Transport Council meeting in Brussels. The Polish authorities hoped for progress that would restore structured movement at the border while addressing security and logistical concerns.