With low Mississippi River water levels impacting the movement of U.S. grains on barges, grain suppliers, farmers and the ag sector are losing dollars. How much? Approximately $20 billion, according to forecasts developed by AccuWeather, that figure also includes losses of petroleum and even ice melt as winter nears.

While some precipitation is on the horizon for areas close to the river, it likely won’t be enough to encourage the movement of larger barge loads. Pastelok says commerce on the river accounts for 92% of the country’s total ag exports. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the Corps of Engineers is monitoring the situation and is hopeful a more regular flow of water will remedy the problem soon.

European water levels are also seeing similar impacts of drought conditions impacting the movement of their commerce, as well.

Read more on the economic impact of stalled and slowed barge transportation here.