Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
The steepest year-on-year freight rate gains were recorded in Southern Hemisphere origins—Australia, Argentina and Brazil—in September 2026, partly reflecting plentiful grains and oilseeds exports.
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.
Well below the peaks recorded during the COVID-19-linked disruptions of 2020 and 2021, the GOFI remained in mid-September 2026.
21% year on year was the increase in timecharter rates for vessels carrying grains and oilseeds in early September 2026, supported by strong cargo requirements.
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.
As of 24 September 2026, disruptions in the Red Sea and Panama Canal were causing vessels to use longer routes, while high fuel costs were limiting vessel speeds and reducing effective fleet capacity.
As of 24 September 2026, the El Niño-linked drop in rainfall had lowered water levels at the Panama Canal, leading to a cut in the number of vessels able to transit.
Above its previous five- and ten-year averages was the GOFI in mid-September 2026.
54% year on year was the increase in the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) in early September 2026, when it touched a near five-year high; the Capesize sub-index rose 70% year on year.
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.
