Minister sees Russia grain exports flat at 33 mln tns in 2015–2016

MOSCOW, Apr 13 (PRIME) -- Russia’s grain exports are likely to be flat at 33 million tonnes in the 2015–2016 agricultural year, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov told reporters on the sidelines of an industry forum on Wednesday.

“As for exports of grains, we expect that exports will be flat on the year this (agricultural) year – at 33 million tonnes,” Tkachyov said.

“We hope for a bumper crop this year if weather conditions are favorable – no less than 104 million tonnes, according to a state program. It will satisfy the country’s demand for grain and allow us to increase our export potential.”

Russia’s current wheat export duty will be in force at least until the next harvest, Tkachyov also said. “As long as it is profitable for all market players. We will keep it at least until the next harvest,” he said.

Russia imposed a wheat export duty on July 1, 2015, which is now measured as 50% of the price minus 6,500 rubles per tonne, but at least 10 rubles.

In March, Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Oversight said it had ordered its territorial branches to enhance control over the quality of grain exports.

In February, Tkachyov said that Russia may boost grain exports to 50 million tonnes by 2025.

(66.3456 rubles – U.S. $1)

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