The resumption of fertiliser production could become a driver of Ukraine’s economy – Oleksandr Gorbunenko

Oleksandr Gorbunenko, a partner at Agro Gas Trading, highlighted a systemic problem in the Ukrainian economy in recent years—the agricultural sector’s growing dependence on imported fertilizers—in a column for Gordon.

According to him, Ukraine, which is one of the global leaders in grain exports, is at the same time becoming increasingly dependent on a critically important resource—fertilizers—without which the modern model of intensive farming is impossible.

“This is not just about the agricultural sector. It is a matter of the balance of payments, currency stability, industrial policy, and the country’s economic security as a whole,” Gorbunenko notes.

The AGT partner emphasizes that the situation has significantly worsened in recent years. By the end of 2025, fertilizer imports exceeded $1.5 billion, while exports fell to about $12 million. The negative balance of foreign trade in fertilizers already exceeds $1 billion per year.

According to Gorbunenko, one of the key reasons for this imbalance is the shutdown or curtailment of operations at domestic enterprises.

In particular, the AGT partner draws attention to the situation at the Odesa Port Plant, which has been idle since late 2021. The OPA’s downtime means not only a loss of fertilizer production but also a loss of foreign exchange revenue, jobs, and reduced capacity utilization in related industries.

Gorbunenko notes that the industry’s recovery requires a comprehensive approach, including the establishment of a clear gas supply model, the modernization of production facilities, and the involvement of an effective investor.

He also emphasizes the importance of transparent privatization as a tool for restarting industrial enterprises in the chemical sector.

In his view, provided that systemic solutions are implemented, fertilizer production in Ukraine can not only reduce dependence on imports but also become a driver of economic recovery, ensuring foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure development, and job creation.

The full text of the column is available at the link – https://gordonua.com/ukr/blogs/alexander-gorbunenko/miljard-shchoroku-prikhovanij-rezerv-ukrajinskoji-promislovosti-1778039.html