Record freight rates curb Kazakhstan’s barley exports to Iran

Kazakhstan’s barley exports to Iran are stagnating due to an acute shortage of available vessels and record-high freight costs. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, freight from Aktau to northern Iranian ports rose by another $4/t over the week to $74/t.

Shipping from Astrakhan remains even more expensive, with rates increasing by $5/t to $115/t. According to Grain Union analyst Yevgeny Karabanov, freight rates on these routes have never been this high before.

At the same time, Kazakhstan’s barley exports to China and Central Asian countries are becoming more active. Export prices rose by $3/t on a DAP Saryagash basis and by $5/t on FOB Aktau and DAP Dostyk/Altynkol.

Barley prices also continued to rise on the domestic market due to stronger demand from feed flour producers and exporters. A severe shortage of railcars caused by delays at loading and unloading stations is creating additional logistical pressure.

The wheat market remains broadly stable, except for Class 4 and Class 5 wheat, which became more expensive due to limited new-crop supply and stronger domestic demand. Central Asian importers continue to buy Kazakh wheat at current prices.

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Tags: Iran, Kazakhstan, export, barley, freight rates