BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — European Union (EU) grain imports in marketing year 2022-23, which began last July, have skyrocketed due to circumstances involving increased Ukrainian exports and last year’s drought-damaged harvest in Europe, according to recently published statistics from the European Commission.

The data showed that soft wheat imports were at 8.23 million tonnes through May 27, up a whopping 243% compared to the same time last year, and barley imports had reached 1.91 million tonnes, an 119% increase over the previous year. Corn was also higher, up 61% at 24.34 million tonnes. The 2022-23 marketing year ends on June 30.

For the final four months of the EU’s 2021-22 marketing year, Ukraine was unable to export grain due to a Russian naval blockade of its ports following its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022. The blockade was lifted last July. The widespread drought last year also limited shipments from many of the world’s traditional grain exporters.

In terms of exports, the EU has shipped 11% more soft wheat in 2022-23, reaching 28.4 million tonnes through May 27, compared to 25.4 million tonnes a year ago, according to the Commission data.