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FSB Approvals and Delays at Kavkaz Disrupt Global Grain Trade.

New Russian Rules Slow Grain Exports from Key Black Sea Port.                                                                                                                                                            

Russian grain exports through the Black Sea port of Kavkaz have slowed sharply following new entry and inspection rules introduced by President Vladimir Putin in July. The decree requires foreign vessels to obtain clearance from both port authorities and Russia’s FSB security service, creating bottlenecks at one of the country’s most critical export hubs. In early August, shipments through Kavkaz totalled just 350,000 metric tons, compared with 1.5–2 million tons a month last summer. More than 120 ships were reported waiting to enter, freight rates surged, and grain terminals reached capacity, forcing some to halt new intake. Ships scheduled to load in July were only completing loading weeks later. Kavkaz, which handled over 10 million tons last season—nearly a quarter of Russia’s seaborne grain exports—now faces severe disruption, although flows through Novorossiysk and Baltic routes remain comparatively stable. The delays highlight rising risks in Russia’s grain supply chain.