Export of sunflower seeds from Russia may again be limited

The export of sunflower from the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU; it includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) may again be limited: this initiative of oil producers is now being discussed in the Ministry of Agriculture, two employees of processing companies told Vedomosti. The Oil and Fat Union of Russia (MZhSR) indeed suggested to Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko to consider the introduction of new restrictions on the export of sunflower and rapeseed, confirmed its executive director Mikhail Maltsev. A spokesman for Abramchenko said that the government had received an appeal and that the relevant ministries were instructed to consider it. The representative of the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed receipt of the offer. But the Ministry of Economic Development has not yet received it.

The Union proposes to impose a restriction on the export of sunflower and rapeseed for up to four years starting from September 1, 2020, such an opportunity is provided for by the EAEU agreement, Maltsev says. According to him, this can be both a ban on the export of crops, and the establishment of a quota, in excess of which it will be impossible to export them until the end of the season. More specific measures could be discussed if these proposals receive government support, he adds.