LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD News) — Panama Canal traffic increased through June, but officials are preparing for possible El Niño restrictions that could disrupt U.S. agricultural exports moving from Gulf ports to Asian buyers. The canal averaged 35 daily transits during the first nine months of fiscal 2026.
Total transits reached 10,726, up 5.2 percent from last year. Cargo measured through the canal’s tonnage system increased 7.2 percent, while revenue climbed 17 percent to $4.8 billion.
Agriculture has significant exposure to the route. Canal records show roughly 25.1 million metric tons of grain moved through the waterway during fiscal 2025. Historical estimates indicate the canal carries about 90 percent of U.S. sorghum exports, roughly 26 to 32 percent of soybeans, and about 17 to 18 percent of corn.
Officials say the probability of severe El Niño conditions reached 81 percent. Possible responses include draft restrictions and fewer daily booking slots if reservoir conditions deteriorate.
Restrictions could delay shipments, increase freight costs, and weaken Gulf grain competitiveness against Pacific Northwest and foreign suppliers. Producers will watch canal capacity as harvest exports accelerate.
