Ukrainian cereals: exports fall, UN worries

In May 2023, 1.3 million tonnes of cereals were exported. This is less than half of the number in April 2023, the spokesman for the UN secretary-general said. "We are concerned about the continued slowdown in the implementation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative," Dujarric said, referring to the increase in global famine hotspots and the specter of inflation.

Grain port in Izmail, Ukraine, April 26, 2023. AP - Andrew Kravchenko

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In May, 33 ships left Ukrainian ports, half as many as in April. Only three left the port of Yuzhne/Pivdenny, one of the three covered by the Initiative," the Secretary General's spokesperson said.

Antonio Guterres' spokesman points to Russia's role in this slowdown. Russia "has informed of its decision to limit registrations at the port of Yuzhne/Pivdenny as long as ammonia is not exported," Dujarric said. Moscow is demanding the resumption of operation of the Togliatti-Odessa pipeline for deliveries of ammonia, an essential chemical component of mineral fertilizer.

The UN warns of this "serious" situation in a climate of food tension for developing countries: "Hotbeds of famine in the world are increasing and the spectre of food price inflation and market volatility threatens in all countries."

>> READ ALSO: Russia still threatens the agreement on Ukrainian cereals and lists five requirements

In July 2022, Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations signed an agreement to export Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea despite the conflict. It has been renewed several times since, the last in May 2023 and only for two months, until July 17.

Cargo ships carrying grain await inspection under the UN-Turkey agreement between Russia and Ukraine here on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, December 11, 2022. © Yoruk Isik / Reuters

Russia, for its part, denounces obstacles to the implementation of a second agreement signed the same day between it and the UN to allow the export of its food products and fertilizers.

(with agencies)

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  • UN
  • Trade and Commerce
  • Ukraine
  • Russia
  • Feeding
  • Raw materials