Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
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, 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.
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.
Above its previous five- and ten-year averages was the GOFI in mid-September 2026.
Well below the peaks recorded during the COVID-19-linked disruptions of 2020 and 2021, the GOFI remained in mid-September 2026.
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).
Between 2016 and 2019, drought periods in Australia reduced demand and weighed on grains and oilseeds freight values, 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).
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.
51% was the increase in freight costs versus 18% for grains and oilseeds FOB prices between January 2025 and September 2026; the IGC highlights this as a rising freight share in delivered prices.
