During the first half of 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s state-owned railway company, recorded a notable decline in freight transportation volumes across its operations. CEO Oleksandr Pertsovsky revealed on Facebook that export freight transportation dropped by 13.5% to 38.7 million tonnes, while domestic freight transport fell by 11.7% to 35.5 million tonnes. This decline raises concerns about the company’s operational efficiency and its ability to support Ukraine’s economic growth.
Conversely, import freight transportation experienced a modest increase of 5.4%, reaching 5.3 million tonnes. This growth could indicate rising demand for goods entering Ukraine, potentially driven by economic recovery efforts or increased industrial activity. Despite this, the overall downward trend in freight volumes suggests challenges in maintaining transport volumes amid economic uncertainties.
Industry analysts have pointed to several factors contributing to the decline, including ongoing economic sanctions, disrupted supply chains, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on trade. These factors have likely affected both export and domestic freight volumes. Pertsovsky’s statement highlights the need for Ukrzaliznytsia to address these challenges and adapt its strategies to mitigate the impact on the country’s transportation infrastructure.
As Ukraine continues to navigate its economic landscape, the performance of Ukrzaliznytsia remains a critical indicator of the nation’s overall economic health. The company’s ability to stabilize freight volumes could play a significant role in supporting trade and industrial activity within the country.