NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Ocean freight rates for bulk grain shipments climbed from the second to the third quarter of 2025, tightening cost pressures on exporters moving corn, wheat, and soybeans out of the U.S. Gulf and Pacific Northwest. According to data from O’Neil Commodity Consulting, rates to Japan rose sharply quarter-to-quarter, even though year-over-year costs remain lower and remain well below the recent four-year average.
Third-quarter Gulf-to-Japan rates averaged $54.36 per metric ton, up 17 percent from spring, while PNW-to-Japan rates averaged $29.08 per ton, up 7 percent. Gulf-to-Europe rates followed the same pattern. Rising Chinese demand for iron ore, coal, and steel exports helped lift global vessel use through July and August, pushing grain freight rates higher.
Operationally, shippers also contended with supply-chain disruptions, including Argentina’s low Parana River levels that slowed grain loading and raised vessel costs in September, as well as Chinese Golden Week stockpiling.
Looking ahead, vessel supply has grown 3 percent year over year, which could moderate rates, but China’s renewed soybean purchases are expected to increase Panamax demand.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher ocean freight raises export costs just as global grain competition intensifies.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
November 13, 2025 11:33 AM
·
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
November 13, 2025 10:58 AM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
November 12, 2025 03:19 PM
·
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
November 12, 2025 03:07 PM
·
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
November 12, 2025 10:55 AM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.
November 11, 2025 01:30 PM
·
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
November 11, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.
November 11, 2025 11:21 AM
·
