Following the military invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the Middle East, which relies heavily on wheat imports from both countries, is facing a food crisis due to soaring wheat prices and supply shortages.
The United Nations warns that economically poor countries could be seriously affected.
Russia and Ukraine are major grain exporters, of which wheat accounts for 30% of the world's exports, but due to concerns about export stagnation, future prices, which are international indicators, are about 14 in early March. It is soaring, such as hitting the highest price for the first time in a year.
Furthermore, in the Middle East and Africa, where many countries rely on wheat imports from both countries, concerns about supply shortages are widespread, which could lead to a food crisis.
Of these, in Lebanon in the Middle East, which relied on Ukraine for about 70% of its wheat imports, imports from Ukraine stopped after the invasion of Russia, and a large-scale explosion in the capital Beirut in August caused a domestic explosion. Wheat stock is less than a month, partly due to the damage to the largest grain store.
In Yemen, where the civil war continues, 40% of wheat imports depend on Russia and Ukraine, but as the price of bread, the staple food, continues to rise, the food crisis may accelerate and more people may starve. It is out.
These countries are looking for alternative wheat imports to Russia and Ukraine, but some have restricted exports to secure their own food, and their global impact is widespread.
FAO = Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Vobakar Benhasan, Director of Markets and Trade, said, "Especially economically poor countries can be seriously affected and are urging countries not to impose food export restrictions." rice field.