Russian grain exports have plummeted to a 16-year low, as a state of emergency has been declared in the Rostov region.

A state of emergency has been declared in Russia’s Rostov Region due to problems with grain exports through Black Sea ports.

This was reported by the Moscow Times and The Insider.

Media outlets cite an order from Rostov Region Governor Yuri Slyusar declaring a regional state of emergency due to the current situation in the region effective July 10, 2026.

The document notes that grain intended for export is piling up at elevators due to port closures and disruptions to shipping in the Azov-Black Sea basin. Russian authorities attribute this to attacks by Ukrainian forces on logistics infrastructure.

The Rostov Region is one of Russia’s key agricultural regions, accounting for approximately 10% of the country’s total grain harvest. Before the Azov Sea ports were closed, up to 1.5 million tons of Russian grain were exported through them monthly.

According to media reports, more than 80% of the capacity involved in exporting Russian grain is currently paralyzed.

In August, wheat exports fell to a 16-year low of 1.9 million tons. Compared to August 2025, export volumes were down 2.3 times, and compared to the average over the past five years, they were down 2.6 times.

As a reminder, global wheat buyers are bracing for reduced supplies due to attacks on grain infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea. Amid the disruptions, grain prices are rising, and importers are seeking alternative suppliers.