In 2024, Ukrainian Railways (UZ) recorded a significant increase in freight transport, reaching 174.9 million tonnes, 17.9% more than in 2023.
This growth was mainly driven by a 51.2% increase in exports, totalling 84.7 million tonnes, thanks to the opening of the maritime corridor in August 2023.
This increase raised the share of exports in the total transported to 48%, compared to 38% the previous year.
Among the main exported products were grains (34.1 million tonnes), iron and manganese ore (33 million), and ferrous metals (5.2 million). Materials such as cement and sunflower oil also showed notable increases in volumes transported.
However, despite the export boom, domestic transport fell by 5.5%, while imports grew by 40.9%.
UZ seeks to increase transport tariffs by 37%, which could add between UAH 8 and 10 billion (between 184 and 230 million euros) to the logistics costs of key sectors such as steel. Employers warn that this move could discourage rail use and affect domestic production, urging UZ to optimise its operational efficiency rather than increase costs.