Black Sea strikes cut wheat exports about 60 percent

Officials said strikes in the Black Sea have cut combined Russian and Ukrainian wheat exports by about 60 percent, snarling global grain shipments.

Global wheat prices are already higher than a year ago, officials said, and shippers report routes that once moved millions of tonnes are now constrained or closed.

Strikes on Black Sea ports

Data showed both port infrastructure and commercial vessels have been targeted, forcing reroutes that add time and cost to shipments and reduce cargo volumes available to world markets. Analysts warned the loss of capacity has a disproportionate effect because the region typically supplies a large share of grain to North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

Logistics firms reported longer voyages and higher insurance premiums, which traders say are filtering into freight and commodity prices. Officials said the combined export shortfall — roughly 60 percent year on year — has already tightened physical availability and raised concerns about seasonal replenishment ahead of winter.

Officials cautioned that if strikes continue the squeeze could persist: supplies may remain constrained through Oct. 15, 2026, officials said, keeping upward pressure on prices and forcing buyers to seek alternative suppliers.