Russia's Grain Exports Plummet Amid Black Sea Disruptions
Russian grain exports saw a significant decline in July following disruptions in the Azov-Black Sea region. According to the Russian Grain Union, the country exported 2.03 million metric tons of major grain crops in July 2026, down 37.6% from 3.25 million metric tons in July 2025.
The main factor behind this decline was the tense situation in the Azov-Black Sea region, which led to a reduction in shipment volumes and the number of ports used for export. Wheat exports fell by 17.7%, corn shipments plummeted by 3.5-fold, and barley exports dropped by 5.6-fold compared to July 2025.
Despite the overall decline, some African nations saw an increase in grain shipments from Russia. Egypt remained the largest buyer of Russian wheat, but shipment volumes fell by 31.7% to 344,000 metric tons. Wheat exports to the UAE reached 79,400 metric tons, marking a 28% increase.
The price competitiveness for Russian wheat on the global market remains high, with a $35 per metric ton discount compared to European wheat as of August 1. This favorable pricing is seen as one reason for the continued export of Russian grain despite the disruptions in the region.