Russia boosts wheat exports via the Baltic to record levels amid Black Sea disruptions

In September 2026, Russian wheat exports via the Baltic Sea reached a record 1.4 mln tons amid logistics disruptions in the Azov-Black Sea basin. This was reported by Dmitry Rylko, Director General of the Institute for Agricultural Market Studies (IKAR). According to him, monthly wheat shipments through the Baltic route had never reached such levels before.

Of the total volume, more than 1 mln tons of wheat were shipped through Russian Baltic terminals, while another 400 thsd tons were directed to ports in the Baltic states. According to IKAR, wheat exports via this route could increase to 1.8 mln tons in October, provided weather and logistics conditions remain favorable. Russia’s total wheat exports could approach 3 mln tons, compared with 2.5 mln tons in September.

According to analytical agency ProZerno, Baltic ports accounted for around 54% of Russia’s total grain exports through ports in September. The main facilities included Ust-Luga, Vysotsk, St. Petersburg, and Kaliningrad. Deepwater Black Sea ports, including Novorossiysk and Tuapse, accounted for just 15%, while ports in the Azov-Don basin handled around 2%.

Another 29% of seaborne grain exports passed through ports in the Caspian and Volga basins, mainly serving the Iranian market. As traditional Black Sea routes face restrictions, Russian exporters are increasingly turning to the Baltic and Caspian routes, although these alternatives also face logistics constraints.

Meanwhile, Russian wheat export prices at Baltic ports remain volatile. In early October, 12.5% protein wheat was quoted at around $265/t FOB Vysotsk, compared with $267/t a week earlier and $274/t in mid-September. Prices at ports in the Baltic states, including Riga, were approximately $3–4/t higher. Further growth in Baltic shipments will depend on port and railway capacity, as well as weather conditions.

Tags: Russia, export, wheat