The time for Ukrainian grain exports is ripe as stocks have registered a 17% year-on-year increase, according to figures reported last week by the country’s State Statistics Service. Grain exports in Ukraine have also received a financing boost.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is arranging a US$130mn syndicated loan facility in support of Ukraine’s grain and oilseeds trader and producer Nibulon.

The facility will consist of an A-loan of up to US$45mn for the EBRD’s own account and a B-loan of up to US$90mn, which will be syndicated to commercial banks.

Nibulon operates one of the largest networks of grain handling and logistics infrastructure in the country and will use the financing for working capital needs and to support its trading activity, including export sales.

Another major Ukranian agricultural producer, exporter of oil and grains Kernel, has renewed its one-year €230mn pre-export credit facility with a syndicate of European banks. The financing will go towards funding working capital needs of the company’s grain export business.