Russia suspends grain exports, international fears

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Russia, the world's largest exporter of wheat, will suspend exports of several varieties of grain, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture announced on Sunday. Wheat, rye, barley and corn will no longer be exported until July 1.

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The move could affect the global grain market. In early April, Russia decided to limit its cereal exports to 7 million tonnes until June 30. This quota has already been reached, the Russian authorities said, hence their decision not to export grain until July 1.

The government explains this suspension by the need to stabilize and secure its national market during this period of coronavirus crisis . This policy has been criticized by the United Nations Food ( FAO ) and agriculture, or the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Fears of shortages

International institutions fear that these restrictions will cause food shortages during a pandemic, especially in poor countries. The Moscow move also risks pushing up already high wheat prices.

The ton of common wheat, used in the production of bread, is close to 200 euros on the markets. The main reasons are still strong global demand and climatic concerns related to the drought in Europe, which threatens the next harvest.

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