Record grain by the box

The agency’sweekly Grain Transportation Report says there were 636,000 teu of grain exportslast year, a 22% jump in 2012.

Much theboxed exports were distillers grain, which made up half of the figure. Soybeansalso made up a significant share of the shipments.

While theUSDA points to predictions of 4% growth in 2014, the forecast comes with “plentyof uncertainty”.

“Exportersare monitoring and preparing where possible for the possibility of a portdisruption on the west coast,” the agency said, pointing to a InternationalLongshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) contract that expires at the end of June.

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