Black Sea Wheat Exports Plunge 60% Amid Disruptions

Russian wheat exports from four deep-sea Black Sea terminals declined by around 60% during the five weeks to August 28 compared to the same period in 2025, according to data provided by Signal Voyages. The drop persisted throughout the period and was most pronounced at Taman, where no qualifying wheat loading was recorded. Novorossiysk remained the principal outlet despite its volume roughly halving.

Tuapse, the smallest of Russia’s deep-water grain terminals, bucked the trend by recording an increase in loadings. The decline extended across vessel-size categories, with geared segments bearing the brunt of the reduction. Handysize, however, remained the most active class but recorded a steep decline.

The disruption has led to increased interest in alternative Baltic routes, with rail booking requests for grain bound for Russia’s Baltic terminals reaching 5 million tonnes by August 18. Exporters are using Russian Baltic facilities and considering transit through neighbouring Baltic states, particularly Latvia.