KIEV, June 12 – The United States Department of Agriculture forecasts the grain harvest in Ukraine in 2008 at 43.17 million tons, which is 3.5 million tons more than its forecast of a month ago.

According to a USDA report published on Tuesday, grain exports from Ukraine in the 2008/2009 marketing year (MY, July-June) could be 15.1 million tons, while in May it was estimated at 2.5 million tons less than that figure.

The USDA estimates possible grain ending stocks in Ukraine in the new marketing year at 4.78 million tons, against 5.58 million tons in its May forecast.