Russia Restricts Grains Exports over Coronavirus Pandemic

Russia has suspended exports of all grains for 10 days due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Russia’s Agriculture Ministry discusses limiting exports of some grains including wheat to 7 million tons in the three months through June. The quota would also affect rye, barley, and corn, although Russia doesn’t export much of those products at this time of year.

Russia, which is the world’s biggest wheat exporter, proposed limiting grain shipments to protect its own food security. The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance introduced for 10 days “a temporary ban on the export of all kinds of grains until specific instructions from the emergency team of the State Council of the Russian Federation on the prevention of coronavirus infection spreading in Russia,” said the service, which is responsible for imports and exports of agricultural products, according to www.aa.com.tr. 

Prime minister Mikhail Mishustin asked the government to prepare proposals on whether exports of any food, essential products, or medicine should be limited due to the virus. 

On April 2, the number of coronavirus cases in Russia rose to 3,548. Since emerging in Wuhan, China last December, the virus has spread to at least 180 countries and regions around the globe. The U.S., China, Italy, Iran, and Spain continue to be the worst-affected countries. 

For March, Russia’s grain exports are estimated at 2.1 million tons, the SovEcon agriculture consultancy said, according to Reuters.