March 15, 2012

Russia's grain exports for eight months reach 21.2 million tonnes

From July 1, 2011 through March 1, 2012, Russia's grain exports amounted to 21.2 million tonnes, Russian Grain Union President Arkady Zlochevsky told reporters Wednesday (Mar 14).

Zlochevsky also said that the country could export 1.5-2.0 million tonnes of grain in March.

Without providing exact figures, Zlochevsky said that grain exports had sharply declined in February compared to previous months.

On March 2, Agriculture Ministry director Sergei Sukhov said that Russia's grain export have reached 20.6 million tonnes since July 2011 and are expected to grow by 1.5-2.0 million tonnes in March.

Zlochevsky also reiterated that the union expects the country to export about 25-26 million tonnes of grain in the period from July 1, 2011 through June 20.

The government estimates the country's potential exports at 25-27 million tonnes by the end of the agricultural season on July 1.