DISINFO: Ukrainian grain exports do not affect global prices
SUMMARY
The importance of Ukrainian grain to the world is exaggerated. The share of Ukraine's grain exports in world consumption is insignificant, and it cannot seriously affect prices.
RESPONSE
This claim is demonstrably false, and aims at undermining the importance of Ukraine to the world economy, as well as undermining the global economic impact of Russia's unjustified and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine is one of the world's major grain producers. In fact, Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market. It is also the main producer sunflower oil.
When grain deliveries were initially suspended as a result of Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports, this caused grain prices to sky-rocket. By mid-May, export prices for wheat and corn had reached unprecedented heights. Prices have also dropped once Ukrainian grain ships were allowed to leave Black Sea ports as a result of the grain deal, signed in July by Turkiye, Ukraine, Russia and the United Nations to unblock the Black Sea for Ukrainian exports of grains.