Policy Seminar | IFPRI Policy Seminar
When Grain Trade Is Obstructed: Black Sea Disruptions and Global Market Impacts
Co-organized by IFPRI and Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS)
October 1, 2026
The Black Sea region plays a critical role in global agricultural trade, supplying a significant share of internationally traded wheat, maize, and oilseeds. Yet ongoing disruptions to transport and export logistics—including damage to port infrastructure, shifting trade routes, rising freight and insurance costs, and heightened operational uncertainty—are affecting exports of agricultural commodities from the region. While global grain supplies remain generally adequate, constraints to moving grain efficiently can alter trade patterns, increase costs, and contribute to greater market uncertainty.
This seminar will examine how continued logistical disruptions in the Black Sea region are reshaping agricultural markets and affecting global food security. Bringing together market analysts and industry practitioners, the discussion will explore the implications for grain exporters, import-dependent countries, traders, and shipping service providers. Particular attention will be given to evolving export routes, transportation and insurance costs, market competitiveness, and the resilience of global grain supply chains in an increasingly uncertain environment.
Welcome Remarks and Framing
Monika Tothova, Senior Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) Secretary
Global Wheat Markets: Navigating Renewed Black Sea Uncertainty
Alexander Karavaytsev, Senior Economist, International Grains Council (IGC)
Trading Through Disruption: The View from Ukraine
Nikolay Gorbachov, President, Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA)
Beyond Ukraine: Shifting Flows from Russia and Other Origins
Indrek Aigro, Head of Business Development, Copenhagen Merchants
Panel Discussion
Session 1: How Disrupted Is Grain Trade Really?
Nikolay Gorbachov, President, Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA)
Indrek Aigro, Head of Business Development, Copenhagen Merchants
Brian Arnold, President, The DeLong Co., Inc., Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA)
Alexander Karavaytsev, Senior Economist, International Grains Council (IGC)
Session 2: Costs, Competitiveness and Changing Trade Patterns
Malak Al Akiely, CEO, Golden Wheat for Grain Trading
Brian Arnold, President, The DeLong Co., Inc., Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA)
Indrek Aigro, Head of Business Development, Copenhagen Merchants
Nikolay Gorbachov, President, Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA)
Session 3: Food Security and Policy Implications
David Laborde, Director, Agrifood Economics and Policy Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Malak Al Akiely, CEO, Golden Wheat for Grain Trading
Moderators
Monika Tothova, Senior Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) Secretary
Joseph Glauber, Research Fellow Emeritus, IFPRI
More about this Event: https://www.ifpri.org/event/when-grain-trade-is-obstructed-black-sea-disruptions-and-global-market-impacts/
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