Global Grain Freight Costs Surge as Shipping Disruptions Threaten U.S. Export Competitiveness

Not enough comparable past events yet for a historical read.

After 359 past bearish logistics events, Corn moved a median -0.3% over 5 sessions (44% higher; middle half -1.5% to +1.5%), and -0.5% over 20.

• Apr 30, 2024Freight rates for the transportation of Ukrainian grain by sea affect its competitiveness+3.0%
• Jan 29, 2026Low Water on U.S. Rivers Disrupts Grain Exports, Raising Costs for Ag Supply Chains - Agrolatam-0.3%
• Dec 11, 2017Shipping Costs are Surging Globally - TT+4.7%
• Sep 30, 2022Low River Levels, Soaring Barge Freight Curb U.S. Grain Exports+1.0%
• Nov 18, 2022Export grain shippers mull options amid limited barge, rail capacity - FreightWaves-1.5%

After 297 past bearish logistics events, Soybeans moved a median +0.3% over 5 sessions (54% higher; middle half -1.5% to +1.8%), and +0.7% over 20.

• Jan 29, 2026Low Water on U.S. Rivers Disrupts Grain Exports, Raising Costs for Ag Supply Chains - Agrolatam+1.6%
• Dec 11, 2017Shipping Costs are Surging Globally - TT-2.3%
• Sep 30, 2022Low River Levels, Soaring Barge Freight Curb U.S. Grain Exports-3.7%
• Sep 10, 2026Soybean Shipping Costs Rise for US Exporters | Feed & Grain+0.3%
• Dec 4, 2025Ocean Freight Rates Rise as Grain Shipping Pressures Build - RFD-TV-2.2%

After 137 past bearish logistics events, Wheat (SRW) moved a median -0.3% over 5 sessions (44% higher; middle half -2.2% to +1.0%), and +0.0% over 20.

• Apr 30, 2024Freight rates for the transportation of Ukrainian grain by sea affect its competitiveness+2.3%
• Jan 29, 2026Low Water on U.S. Rivers Disrupts Grain Exports, Raising Costs for Ag Supply Chains - Agrolatam-0.5%
• Dec 11, 2017Shipping Costs are Surging Globally - TT-2.7%
• Sep 30, 2022Low River Levels, Soaring Barge Freight Curb U.S. Grain Exports+0.4%
• Jun 20, 2025How the increase in Bosphorus tariffs will affect freight and competitiveness of Ukrainian grain-3.0%