Russia's Grain Exports on Brink of Restart as Diplomats Push for Ceasefire

Russia's grain export capacity could be quickly restored if attacks on Ukrainian ports cease, according to a Reuters analysis of data from industry sources. Eighty percent of Russia's Black Sea and Sea of Azov terminals used for grain exports can resume operations within days.

However, three major terminals have suffered significant damage and may take months to repair. The NKHP terminal in Novorossiysk, which has an annual capacity of 7.1 million metric tons, was struck on August 12 and repairs could take up to four months, according to the company.

The diplomatic effort to revive the Black Sea grain trade is being led by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with the participation of Indian, Egyptian, and other Middle Eastern countries. Russia is the world's largest wheat exporter, and disruption to Black Sea shipments has driven up global grain prices and raised concerns about food security.