The interbank exchange rate of the dollar reached a record 39 UAH/$

On March 18, the National Bank of Ukraine increased the dollar rate against the hryvnia by 17.46 kopecks to 38.9744 UAH/$, and the euro by 20.18 kopecks to 42.447 UAH/€, which are historical highs.

On the interbank exchange, the dollar rose in price yesterday by 19 kopecks to UAH 38.98-39.00/$ (buying/selling), and on the cash market - by 40 kopecks to UAH 39.15/$. At the same time, the NBU considers the currency deficit on the interbank exchange insignificant and continues the flexible exchange rate policy.

Last week, the National Bank increased the volume of currency sales on the interbank by $100 million to $263 million, and in 2024, in total, it sold $4.6 billion on it, purchasing only $71.4 million. Analysts remind that previously the volume of currency sales reached $400-600 million per week.

The NBU expects that in March-April, Ukraine will receive $10 billion in international aid, part of which will be used by the government and will affect the state of the foreign exchange market. Therefore, in the near future, the exchange rate may decrease under the pressure of increased sales of currency by the Ministry of Finance (after receiving aid tranches) and exporters.

The appreciation of the currency benefits agricultural exporters, who will be able to raise purchase prices and increase purchases, while importers continue to suffer from border blockages, which reduce supply and demand for the currency.