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.
In Australia, robust demand for iron ore and coal dispatches provided additional support to grains and oilseeds freight rates in September 2026.
From 2013 through September 2026, South America recorded the steepest increase in grains and oilseeds freight costs among the origins compared by the GOFI, reflecting a marked rise in cargo requirements and associated port delays.
Well below the peaks recorded during the COVID-19-linked disruptions of 2020 and 2021, the GOFI remained in mid-September 2026.
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).
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).
In response to drought-related pasture reductions, Honduras is allocating more than 20 million lempiras through the Livestock Production Incentive Program to support animal feeding during dry months. Water retention works and small dams are also planned to store water for human consumption, livestock and irrigation.
US$41.497 billion in export revenue is projected, 6.9% more than in 2026; fiscal revenue would reach US$15.037 billion (+3.9%) and gross agro-industrial product US$54.297 billion (+5.9%).
El Salvador recorded four meteorological drought periods between June and September 2026. The first lasted 20 days, the second reached up to 22 consecutive dry days and severe drought conditions, the third extended for 28 days and also reached severe conditions, while the fourth reached moderate drought conditions.
