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At the 23rd annual Waterways Symposium in Louisville, Ky., speakers said inflation has stabilized but still weighs on consumer spending, and that grain, oilseed and coal exports remain key barge demand drivers. U.S. grain and soybean exports for 2026/27 are projected near 155 million metric tons, the third largest in U.S. history, with the aging barge fleet a major constraint.
Strong export volumes keep demand for covered barges high, while limited new construction and retirements could keep barge rates elevated and squeeze farm basis.
waterwaysjournal.netKen EriksenNov 13, 2026Not enough comparable past events yet for a historical read.
Moves of each commodity's benchmark from the last close before the event. Historical reads pool past events of the same kind; they describe what happened, not what will. Not investment advice.
