July 14, 2004

 

 

Better Wheat Crop In Black Sea Area Shrinks US Import Demand

 

Better wheat crops in the Black Sea region in 2004 will dramatically cut import demand as well as allow for greater exports, although still far below the level of 02/03, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday in its "Grain: World Markets and Trade" report.

 

In the Former Soviet Union, less winterkill has boosted production allowing Ukraine to shift back to a net exporter. Smaller Ukrainian imports, most of which came from Russia and Kazakhstan, will also allow more of these countries' exports to be available for Mediterranean and other markets.

 

A number of Balkan countries are also expected to return as net exporters this year, the report said. Romania, which emerged as an important purchaser of U.S. wheat last year, will have only minimal imports this year. Bulgaria and Serbia-Montenegro are expected to have exportable surpluses, and with the prospects for much larger harvests, the governments of both these countries have already lifted bans on exports.

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