February 25, 2016

USSEC, USDA seek solutions for Russian restriction on corn, soybean imports

The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is working with the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to resolve technical issues affecting soybean and corn exports to Russia.

The effort is in response to an official notification of a temporary restriction of imports to Russia due to alleged violations of national and international phytosanitary requirements on past shipments.

According to the USDA APHIS, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (VPSS) has stated that US soybean and corn shipments being loaded prior to February 15 may enter Russia, but will be subjected to more intensive inspection.

The country has yet to specify those additional restrictions, which will be placed on shipments loaded thereafter, but prohibition of entry is likely.

"The USSEC Team in Russia and the US is working with APHIS/USDA to find a solution to these issues," said Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC. "We will continue to work collaboratively with VPSS in an effort to lift the temporary prohibition on imports."

"In the 2014/15 marketing year, Russia imported 267 thousand tonnes of US soy worth nearly US$111 million dollars," Sutter added. "With 426 thousand tonnes of US soy exports already reaching Russia since October 1, 2015, we continue to see potential in the market."