Russian government bans grain exports until June 30

Russia will temporarily ban grain and sugar exports due to international sanctions and to protect the domestic market, following the signing of the decrees on Monday by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

The Executive of Vladimir Putin thus imposes a temporary ban on grain exports to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) until June 30 and exports of unrefined cane sugar outside the EAEU until August 31, according to a note from the government press service released by the Interfax agency.

The grain ban applies to wheat and meslin (mixed wheat and rye), rye, barley and maize.

“The decision was made to protect the domestic food market from external restrictions”says the statement, referring to the international sanctions imposed by many countries, including the European Union and United Statesdue to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which has already caused thousands of deaths and more than 2.8 million refugees.

The Russian government indicates that several exceptions are provided for the export of sugar and cereals.

“Thus, the supply of these products outside Russia will be possible, including for the provision of humanitarian assistance, as well as within the framework of international transit traffic”says the report.

The government statement did not specify from what date the ban would take effect, although Interfax states that the ban could be introduced as early as March 15.

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