RZD Sees Record Export Volumes for Coal and Grain

In May 2026, the total volume of export shipments by Russian Railways (RZD) surged to an impressive 28 million tons, marking a 7.4% increase from the same period last year. This growth signals a significant upturn in the flow of export cargo directed toward Russian maritime ports, with southern ports experiencing a remarkable 45.4% rise, reaching 8.1 million tons. Key contributors to this upward trend include coal exports, which rose by 18.4% to reach 15.4 million tons. Additionally, iron ore shipments saw a staggering increase of 40.6%, totaling 1.1 million tons. These figures highlight the critical role of logistics and transportation infrastructure in harnessing Russia's export potential. However, the performance was uneven across regions. The Northwestern ports experienced an 18.5% decline, amounting to 9 million tons, while the Far East reported a 15.4% increase with 10.9 million tons shipped. Such disparities indicate a need for thorough analysis and a strategic approach to optimizing cargo transportation across all routes.