Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
13% was the increase in the Bloomberg Agriculture Spot Index in the July-September 2026 quarter, its largest quarterly gain since March 2022; the source links the rise to Black Sea tensions and extreme weather and notes a strengthening El Nino threatening agricultural production.
Above its previous five- and ten-year averages was the GOFI in mid-September 2026.
More than 15 million tonnes of grains and oilseeds were shipped via the Cape of Good Hope in August 2026, compared with around 5 million tonnes via the Suez and Panama routes combined; vessels continued to take longer journeys.
As of 24 September 2026, dry bulk vessels continued to largely avoid the Suez Canal because of ongoing security threats around the Red Sea; reduced Black Sea grain exports could also limit volumes.
15% year-on-year was the increase in the IGC Grains and Oilseeds Freight Index (GOFI) in mid-September 2026, when it reached a four-year high.
Well below the peaks recorded during the COVID-19-linked disruptions of 2020 and 2021, the GOFI remained in mid-September 2026.
7 of 7 key origins recorded year-on-year increases in grains and oilseeds freight rates in September 2026: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, the European Union and the Black Sea.
From 2013 through September 2026, freight costs from the Black Sea increased alongside rising grains exports, according to the GOFI long-term trend.
51% was the increase in average grains and oilseeds freight costs between January 2025 and September 2026, according to the IGC Grains and Oilseeds Freight Index (GOFI).
18% was the increase in average grains and oilseeds FOB prices between January 2025 and September 2026, according to the IGC Grains and Oilseeds Index (GOI).
