Russia's Grain Exports Plummet Amid Logistics Chaos
Russia's Rostov region, a key grain-producing area, has declared a state of emergency due to mounting difficulties with grain shipments. The situation is exacerbated by stalled export loadings, accumulation of the new crop, and falling domestic prices.
The logistics problems intensified after operations at Azov Sea ports were halted in mid-July following drone attacks. These terminals previously handled up to 1.5 mln tons of grain exports per month. Major grain terminals on the Black Sea were also damaged in August, further restricting Russia's export capacity.
Russia's wheat exports in August are estimated at just 1.9 mln tons, the lowest volume for the month in 16 years. This is 2.3 times lower than in August last year and 2.6 times below the five-year average.