October 5, 2010

Ukraine delays grain export quota decision

Ukraine's economy minister announced Monday (Oct 4) that the government has failed to adopt a decision on imposing grain exports this season and would soon come back to the issue.

"The question needs additional work. Maybe we will discuss the issue at the next government meeting," said Vasyl Tsushko.

Last week Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said the government would this week consider whether or not to introduce any restrictions on grain exports from the ex-Soviet republic after a fall in the harvest.

Ukraine's grain crop for 2010 is likely to fall to about 38 million tonnes from 46 million in 2009 after a severe drought hit grain producing areas. It consumes about 26 million tonnes of grain per season.

Last month the government cut its forecast for the 2010/11 season's grain exports to 12.7 million tonnes from the previous outlook of 13.8 million tonnes due to a fall in corn output.

UkrAgroConsult agriculture consultancy said Monday (Oct 4) the country had raised its grain exports to 1.33 million tonnes in September from 1.3 million in August.

Ukraine exported 2.7 million tonnes of grain in September 2009.