Ukraine wheat exports to decline

Ukraine's wheat exports this year is expected to drop, as it needs new markets to ensure keeping shipments at 60 percent of last year's record levels, according to UkAgroConsult. 

With many wheat importers reporting strong harvests, Ukraine would be forced to turn to new markets. 

Reduced exports to Iran, Morocco and Turkey will be partly offset by rising wheat demand in South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Syria, said Moscow-based SovEcon.

Even so, Ukraine's exports would fall 40 percent to 7.75 million tonnes, reflecting a 24-percent decrease in its wheat harvest projected at 19.65 million tonnes.

UkAgroConsult also said Ukraine's barley output, despite dropping 11.1 percent to an estimated 11.2 million tonnes, should be enough to beat rivals. Exports are pegged at six million tonnes, while Canada is projected to export 2.3 million tonnes of barley with production down 24 percent at 8.9 million tonnes.