Russia Expands Baltic Ports for Grain Exports

The Krasnodar Region of Russia is enhancing its trade with Africa, which now constitutes 10% of its total trade, as it exported 14.8 million tons of wheat to 25 African countries in 2024, marking a 14.4% increase. Meanwhile, Russia's overall seaborne grain exports reached 62.4 million tons in the 2023/2024 season, predominantly routed through southern Black Sea ports, with plans for capacity expansion in both Black Sea and Baltic regions to support increased exports. Despite the Black Sea's strategic importance, rising geopolitical tensions have prompted Russia to diversify its export routes, establishing new ports in the Baltic to reduce reliance on traditional shipping lanes. Ksenia Bolomatova from OZK highlighted the necessity for increased loading capacities to accommodate last year's record harvests, aiming to boost agricultural exports by 50% by 2030. The expansion includes new terminals in Novorossiysk and Makhachkala, focusing on greater efficiency and market diversification towards Latin America and Africa. As Russia navigates these shifts, it remains a dominant force in global grain exports, particularly wheat, despite potential shipping disruptions in the Black Sea.