Container ships pass through locks on the Panama Canal. (CIA.gov)

Brazilian grain growers explore increased use of Panama Canal

Sao Paulo | Reuters — Brazilian farmers in top soy state Mato Grosso signed a memorandum of understanding with the Panama Canal Authority to evaluate ways to cut transportation costs and boost Brazilian grain volumes using the waterway, the authority’s chief administrator said. The canal’s administration is looking to increase its participation in rising Brazilian […] Read more



(Commercial Port of Vladivostok, vmtp.ru)

Russia to boost grain transport subsidies in 2018

Moscow | Reuters — Russia will spend two billion roubles (C$43 million) in grain transportation subsidies to help to speed exports in 2018, the deputy agriculture minister said on Thursday. Already among the world’s largest wheat exporters, Russia is trying to step up a gear after this year’s record crop, which is keeping its grain […] Read more

(Commercial Port of Vladivostok, vmtp.ru)

Baltic Dry Index nears four-year highs

CNS Canada –– The Baltic Dry Index has climbed sharply over the past two weeks, rising to its highest levels in nearly four years. The BDI settled at 1,662 points on Friday, having gained 300 points since the middle of November. The index was last above 1,600 in January 2014. The BDI is compiled daily […] Read more



(PortSeattle.org)

Baltic Dry Index hits two-year highs

CNS Canada — Ocean freight rates are trending higher, with the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) hitting its highest level of the past two years on Tuesday. The BDI, compiled daily by the London-based Baltic Exchange, provides an assessment of the price of moving major raw materials by sea, including grain. It was quoted Tuesday at […] Read more