Last Friday, May 20, a meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) was held, on which Russia insisted that all members of the EAEU introduce quotas and duties for export of grains to third countries.
Russia expects a record wheat crop in 2022. Despite this, Russian regulators are trying to continue to control the export of grain, even at the level of friendly countries (EAEU). This was reported by the publication “Kommersant”. During the meeting, Russia asked all members of the Union to introduce quotas and duties for grain export, and also stated that it plans to extend the restrictions on deliveries to the EAEU, which are still valid until June 30.
The Ministry of Agriculture of Russia made such a decision, since he fears the re -export of Russian grain through the EAEU, bypassing restrictions. Kazakhstan opposed such tightening, as he was interested in developing products abroad.
“This spring, against the backdrop of the activation of wheat procurement in Siberia by Kazakhstan, Russia banned the export of grain to the EAEU countries until June 30. This caused the discontent of Kazakhstan, who suspected Russia in discrimination. In response, he also introduced quotas for exporting wheat and flour”, – sources told the Russian publication.
Kommersant sources also said that at the meeting, Russia indicated the insufficiency of measures taken by Kazakhstan due to the lack of quotas for export of barley and corn, as well as export duties. As a result of which there is a significant difference between the internal prices of the two countries.
Earlier, in the summer of 2021, members of the EAEU planned to introduce a single approach to limit the export of wheat, barley, corn sunflower and other series of goods. The idea was never implemented. The only country for today that has introduced a complete ban on the export of wheat is Belarus. Armenia and Kyrgyzstan may join it, which prepare a decision on duties and quotas. But Kazakhstan refused to introduce duties, as this may affect the possibilities of local agricultural producers to fulfill international obligations.