Black Sea Grain Exports at Risk as Ukraine Attacks Continue

Russian grain exports are at risk of being severely disrupted due to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships and ports, threatening global food security. The Black Sea has been a key route for wheat exports from Russia, which is the world's largest wheat exporter.

The Union of Grain Exporters and Producers warned that Ukraine's attacks could shut down grain exports via the Black Sea in the near future, pushing up prices and causing hunger in Africa and the Middle East. Concerns over supplies from the Black Sea have driven wheat prices higher in recent weeks as Russia and Ukraine have stepped up their attacks.

A Ukrainian drone attack had inflicted 'significant damage' on a major grain export terminal at Russia's port of Taman, according to an agricultural market source. The Russian grain union warned that a complete blockage of export corridors in the Black Sea basin could soon occur due to Ukraine's 'systematic attacks', which began in July.

The shortfall in supply of Russian wheat to other countries this season is predicted to reach 30-35 million metric tons, accounting for around 15% of total global wheat trade. This would not be possible to cover by increasing exports from alternative countries, the union predicted.