Russia bans exports of grain crops, including to Armenia

YEREVAN, March 11. /ARKA/. A Russian parliament sub-committee on customs approved a ban March 10 on exports of grain crops from Russia to the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) member countries, as well as on exports of sugar and raw sugar outside the EEU, the Russian daily "Kommersant" reported. It said the ban will effective until August 31, 2022

This ban will apply to wheat, rye, barley and corn. An exception is provided for deliveries under export licenses issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The ban on the export of sugar will apply to exports to third countries, deliveries to the EEU will be possible on the basis of permits issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Russian Economy Ministry said the ban is aimed at ensuring the country's food security and will help protect the domestic market in the current environment.

At the same time, there are still opportunities for cooperation with the EEU member countries,” the representative of the Ministry of Economy explained. The final proposals will be submitted to the meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission on March 17.

According to a Kommersant source, now the Russian Federation covers the domestic demand for grain by about 1.5 times, but it is necessary to exclude the “overflows” of products from the EEU countries, which have already purchased the volumes they need duty-free this season. Restrictions on the supply of sugar may be associated with the rush demand for products in Russian stores. -0-