In March 2022, Ukraine exported 5.97 million tonnes of goods worth $2.7 billion, which is 54.6% less than in February in terms of quantity and half in value, while imports of goods to Ukraine in March amounted to 5 million tonnes for $5.9 billion, which is more than 66.7% less than in February.

"Ukraine's export volume in March amounted to 5.97 million tonnes worth $2.7 billion. While in February, the state exported 13.1 million tonnes of goods worth $5.3 billion. The main export items are ores, corn, ferroalloys and oil ", the Ministry of Economy said in a release on Sunday.

The export of metals and agricultural products was particularly affected, while the volume of exports of a number of goods with deep processing remained practically unchanged compared to the pre-war period, the Ministry of Economy added.

The Ministry notes a significant reduction in metal exports. In particular, the export of flat products fell by almost 10 times – from 437,000 tonnes in February to 47,000 tonnes in March. "For some metallurgy positions, exports were not made at all. This is primarily due to the physical destruction of metallurgical facilities and the stoppage of production," the ministry commented.

In March, Ukraine exported 1.1 million tonnes of corn, 309,000 tonnes of wheat, 118,000 tonnes of sunflower oil, and 40,000 tonnes of soybeans. This is four times less than in February, according to the data of the Ministry of Economy.

"At the same time, for many items of goods with deep processing, the volume of exports remained at the level of the previous month and even increased. These are, for example, cable products, the export of which amounted to $111 million [$130 million in February] or wood facing sheets – $32 million versus $26 million in February," the Economy Ministry said.

Due to the Russian invasion, Ukrainian imports suffered significant losses: if in February the state imported 5 million tonnes of goods worth $5.9 billion, then in March – 1.6 million tonnes worth $1.8 billion, the report says.

Currently, the most important imports to Ukraine are gas, oil, oil products and coal.

"The enemy purposefully undermines the economy of our state by blocking domestic exports. The traditional way of exporting goods was the Black Sea ports, blocked today by Russia. In addition, infidels are attacking metallurgical plants and agricultural infrastructure in order to prevent the restoration of our opportunities in the future. All this threatens not only Ukraine, but the whole world, because our state was the guarantor of food security in a number of countries in Africa and the Middle East," the ministry's press service quotes First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

To counter this, Ukraine is increasing the capacity of rail, road and river transport on the western border of Ukraine, attracting manufacturers, traders, transport companies, Svyrydenko noted.

"The stocks of basic agricultural crops in Ukraine are enough to ensure exports. In addition, the start of the sowing campaign inspires restrained optimism for the future harvest," the head of the ministry said.