The Mississippi River has reached historic low levels due to prolonged drought, severely affecting agricultural shipping routes across the U.S. Midwest. Barges are now operating at reduced capacity, delaying grain exports and raising concerns ahead of harvest season.
Farmers in Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas are facing rising storage costs and reduced market access. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to dredge deeper channels, but analysts warn the problem may persist due to climate change.
This has implications for food-importing countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, which rely on U.S. grain shipments. South Asian ports may also experience price fluctuations due to delays.
