Black Sea Attacks Disrupt Grain Exports and Shipping

Escalating Black Sea attacks have raised risks to commercial shipping and disrupted grain exports, prompting warnings of further pressure on global food supplies in the autumn. Russia has intensified missile and drone strikes on Ukraine's main Black Sea ports, including Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi, as well as vessels using the maritime corridor.

Ukraine has expanded attacks on tankers and cargo ships it says support Russian military logistics and energy exports in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukraine has lost about a third of its capacity to export grain through its Black Sea ports, with monthly handling capacity falling from around 6 million tons to 4 million tons, according to traders and agricultural groups.

Some shipowners temporarily suspended calls at Ukrainian ports in late July following a series of deadly strikes. Turkish authorities have not publicly detailed the scope of reported restrictions on commercial vessels entering the Black Sea, including ships bound for Russia's Novorossiysk port.

Agricultural economist Oleg Nivievskyi warned that continued attacks during the autumn could place fresh strain on grain exports as new-crop shipments gather pace. Countries dependent on Black Sea grain, including Egypt, could be forced to turn to more distant suppliers in the Americas, Asia, and Australia, adding to transport costs.