Prerequisites for the formation of business alliances among agricultural exporters in Ukraine under martial law

Abstract

This article explores the state and structural trends of the grain and oilseed market under martial law in Ukraine, focusing on the prerequisites for the formation of business alliances. In scientific literature, business alliances are often seen as strategies for achieving competitive advantages in globalized markets by pooling the resources and competencies of independent companies. However, the formation and functioning of business alliances in countering extreme business conditions remain underexplored. This study aims to summarize the prerequisites, factors, and potential benefits of forming business alliances among agricultural exporters. Despite the negative impact of war, Ukrainian agribusiness has demonstrated resilience and adaptability by maintaining a leading position in exports. The analysis of exporter ratings has shown significant changes in the distribution of market shares during the first two years of the war, indicating shifts in the market roles traditionally played by participants. Interviews with the CEOs of leading agricultural holdings in Ukraine outlined the main tactical and strategic decisions taken to mitigate the challenges of the war. Partnerships among independent agricultural producers have been widely used to respond to challenges such as closed export markets, finding new export routes, and achieving the necessary scale for export operations. Systematizing this experience could be of scientific and practical interest, particularly in the context of ongoing events in Ukraine. Effective communication and alliances among participants in the grain market may help address critical tasks such as creating competitive advantages in global grain trade, reducing costs for external and internal logistics, jointly using logistics infrastructure, and investing in capital-intensive projects to develop export infrastructure, especially under increased risk conditions.