Main trends in rail freight transportation in Ukraine in 2025

In 2025, the volume of freight transportation by rail in Ukraine decreased compared to the previous year by 8% or 14 million tons to 161.3 million tons, which is almost half the figure for 2021. At the same time, the profit from freight transportation decreased from UAH 20.4 billion in 2024 to UAH 4-5 billion in 2025.

 

The reason for this was the decrease in coal and grain cargo transportation. Coal transportation volumes decreased due to the Russian Federation's systematic attacks on thermal generation facilities, which reduced energy production and the need for raw materials.

 

The reduction in grain transportation is due to several factors: significant volumes of grain exports of the 2023 harvest after the opening of the sea corridor, a delay in the corn harvest by almost a month, and logistical problems in November - December 2025 caused by strikes on railway and port infrastructure.

 

At the same time, the transportation of oil, petroleum products, cement, and building materials increased slightly in 2025, but their volumes were insignificant, so this did not significantly affect the overall dynamics of transportation.

 

Transportation of mining and metallurgical complex products amounted to 52.5 million tons, which corresponds to the level of 2024, since the decrease in ore transportation volumes was offset by an increase in ferrous metal transportation.

In 2026, UZ does not expect significant changes in the volume or structure of transportation of the main types of cargo. According to forecasts, the total volume of transportation will be 162 million tons, but it will depend on tariffs. In the event of an increase in transportation costs, their volume will decrease, as shippers will prefer road transport.

 

As a result, a slight increase in the profitability of freight transportation will be offset by a reduction in its volumes, which will lead to a decline in the production and export of industrial products, an increase in road repair costs, and an increase in other problems.