Category: Freight

Bearish for freight: Ukraine’s 2025/26 grain exports are lagging last year by 6.24 MMT at 12.613 MMT, curbing demand for bulk carriers in the Black Sea. Corn underperforms: Corn shipments are down nearly 50% year-over-year at 3.878 MMT, the largest deficit among major crops. Weaker early-December flow: Shipments in the first days of December totaled…

Strategic Gateway: Kazakhstan is positioning Hungary as a key EU entry point for its agricultural exports, particularly processed and organic products. Mutual Market Access: Hungary gains improved access to Central Asia and China via Kazakh logistics, enhancing its regional trade reach. Agro-Industrial Investment: Hungarian companies plan significant investments in Kazakhstan’s feed, genetics, and irrigation sectors.…

Bearish: Sunflower oil prices FOB Black Sea eased to a one-week low as Russian exporters face severely compressed margins. Bearish: A strong ruble has left Russian sunoil uncompetitive versus cheaper palm and soybean oil, curbing export demand. Bearish: Black Sea logistical instability and weaker Russian export flows are weighing on regional price sentiment. Neutral to…

Bullish: Kazakhstan confirms 30 billion KZT in 2026 grain freight subsidies, locking in continued export support and underpinning Black Sea freight demand. Bullish: Subsidies helped drive a 47% year-on-year jump in grain and flour-equivalent exports to 13.4 million tonnes in 2024/25. Bullish: Domestic wheat prices surged over 30%, while FOB competitiveness improved via lower net…

Bullish (Logistics & Demand): Ukraine’s November agricultural exports rose 12% m/m to 5.0 MMT, signaling improved logistics and stronger demand for regional freight and port services. Bearish (Prices): Ample grain supply from Ukraine and the EU (EU total grain exports +14% y/y) adds downside pressure to global corn and wheat prices and is likely to…

Event Announced: Kazakhstan will host the KAZAKH GRAIN & LOGISTIC FORUM in Almaty on February 3–4, 2026. Integrated Supply Chain Focus: Day one centers on grain markets, investments, and processing; day two is dedicated to logistics and new transport routes. Regional Trade Corridors: Strong participation from Central Asia, China, the Caucasus, and Black Sea countries…

Ukraine exported only 4.53 thousand tons of millet in November 2025, the lowest monthly volume in two years. Bearish freight signal: Weaker millet export flows are reducing small parcel cargo availability from Ukrainian ports. Handy-size vessels serving niche grain trades may face softer freight rates on affected routes. Ukrainian Millet Export Update According to APK-Inform,…

Enforcement: Kazakhstan’s competition agency fined KTZ-Freight Transportation LLC 1.42 billion tenge for abusing its monopoly position in the rail freight market. Access: Preferential treatment for KTZ affiliates created barriers for private freight forwarders, limiting market access. Outlook: The finalized ruling and paid fine may support a gradual shift toward more competitive and efficient domestic rail…

Bullish: Sharp 45% drop in grain exports from Russia’s Kuban region tightens supply for Black Sea loadings, supporting FOB premiums. Bearish: EU’s projected 10% decline in sunflower oil imports signals weaker demand for regional sunoil, pressuring crush margins and prices. Neutral to Competitive: Kazakhstan’s 36% surge in rail grain exports boosts regional overland supply and…

Kazakhstan has removed mandatory customs examinations for safflower exports from the Kostanay region, cutting clearance times. Exporters are expected to see lower logistical costs and fewer freight delays for safflower shipments. The change enhances the competitiveness of Kazakh-origin safflower in global markets by easing a non-tariff barrier. Kazakhstan Eases Safflower Export Rules Customs authorities in…