Grain exporters, who had previously faced a shortage of wagons, began planning to establish their own wagon fleets as a strategic move to stabilize shipments and reduce reliance on external suppliers. This shift reflects a broader trend in the grain trade, where companies are seeking greater control over logistics to ensure timely delivery to buyers across international markets. A spokesperson for the Grain Exporters Association explained this approach as a proactive step to safeguard both supply continuity and pricing predictability in a volatile transport environment.
The union is preparing a consolidated offer for the purchase of grain carriers, sometimes referred to as funnels, for the 2023-2025 period. Escalating deficits and sharply rising shipping tariffs were the central themes discussed at the most recent gathering of grain exporters, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and other industry stakeholders. The discussions were framed around creating a more resilient logistics framework that could withstand tariff fluctuations and supply chain disruptions while maintaining access to key export corridors.
Reportedly, in addition to the higher freight costs seen this year, there has been a 50 percent jump in domestic road transport expenses and a two-fold increase in rail transport costs. Suppliers of wagon capacity have also warned of higher rates effective from April 1, underscoring the need for long‑term planning and diversified transport solutions. These shifts in cost dynamics are influencing how exporters price grain shipments and negotiate with carriers, prompting a closer look at multimodal options and contract structures that can absorb volatility without compromising service to distant markets.
The association noted that there remains relatively little difficulty in trucking within certain regions where competition among carriers provides workable solutions and flexibility. This is particularly true in southern territories where logistical leverage, efficiency, and shorter distribution routes can reduce dependence on rail. Yet in other parts of the country, where longer distances and more complex supply chains persist, rail transport becomes a necessity. In those regions, transport rates have already shown pronounced escalation, driven by supply constraints and capacity limits, and continue to be a critical factor in overall export planning and cost management.
Earlier in the week, leadership from the Rosspetsmash Association indicated that the Russian government could consider implementing policies to cancel the export tax on grain exports for a defined period, potentially five years, as a measure to support the export sector. There were also proposals to increase tariff subsidies for the transport of agricultural products from Siberia, aimed at easing the movement of goods from more distant regions into export channels. Stakeholders stressed that any policy changes should be designed to preserve market access for producers while maintaining fiscal responsibility and avoiding unintended distortions in regional logistics planning.