PARIS / RankWire.AI / – European wheat prices climbed in the most recent trading session as ongoing disruptions to Black Sea grain exports kept supply concerns at the forefront. The December wheat contract on Paris-based Euronext closed Monday’s daytime trading session 0.9% higher at €243.75 per metric ton. It regained some of its earlier losses after dropping in the previous two sessions. Meanwhile, Chicago wheat increased by approximately 2%, supported by rising corn prices that bolstered the overall grain market.
Severe restrictions continue to affect shipments from the Black Sea due to repeated attacks on ships and port facilities related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Grain exports via sea from Russia and Ukraine through this region have nearly halted. This disruption has limited one of the world’s primary routes for wheat and other grain exports. European wheat trading remains heavily influenced by Black Sea export availability because Russia and Ukraine represent a significant portion of international grain trade.
In response to the Black Sea disruptions, Russia has increased grain shipments through Baltic and Arctic ports. Exporters have adapted by utilizing terminals in Ust-Luga, St. Petersburg, and Murmansk, which previously handled products like fertilizer and coal. During the last export season, nearly 90% of Russia’s seaborne grain exports went through Black Sea ports. Although alternative routes are now transporting additional cargo, their volumes are still below the levels normally shipped via southern ports.
Grain flow patterns shift due to Black Sea disruptions
Despite higher wheat prices, demand for imports has remained robust. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan finalized purchases totaling 365,000 metric tons after seeking 750,000 tons in an earlier international tender. Pakistan then issued a second tender for an additional 185,000 tons of wheat, according to its public procurement notice. This latest tender aims to acquire 2026 crop wheat for bulk delivery to Karachi or Gwadar, with bids closing on September 28.
Pakistan adjusted its wheat import requirement to 550,000 metric tons after provincial demands were scaled back. The completed purchases account for 365,000 tons, and the current tender covers the remaining 185,000 tons. The country’s procurement comes after a decline in domestic wheat production, which increased its import needs. These purchases come amid global demand, at a time when shipments from two major Black Sea exporters are severely constrained by transportation issues.
Russian grain exports increasingly routed through northern and western ports
Russian grain shipments have been shifting toward northern and western ports, with exporters relying more on rail links to reach Baltic terminals. Ports such as Ust-Luga and St. Petersburg have taken on extra grain cargoes, while Murmansk has also started handling grain shipments. These changes follow months of disruptions around Black Sea ports and shipping lanes. The shift has expanded Russia’s export options during 2026, although the Black Sea remains its main seaborne grain corridor by recent shipment volumes.
For European wheat, Monday’s price increase left the December Euronext contract at €243.75 per ton after two days of declines. The approximately 2% rise in Chicago wheat added strength across major grain futures. The recent price movements reflected reduced Black Sea exports, increased use of alternative Russian ports, and new wheat purchases by Pakistan. These developments influenced the grain market as European traders started the week.