Russian wheat exports to non-CIS fall

Russian wheat exports to countries outside the CIS fell 9.8 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2008 as a prohibitive export tariff became effective, customs data released on Monday showed. The 40 percent tariff aimed to beat down rising prices took effect on January 29 and will remain in force until July 1.
Russia exported 1.01 million tonnes of wheat to countries outside the CIS and 1.04 million in total in January-February 2008, compared with 1.11 million and 1.16 million respectively a year earlier, the Federal Customs Service said. Exports outside the CIS soared in value to $323 million from $201 million, FCS data showed.
Total wheat imports fell to 54,300 tonnes in January and February from 69,500 tonnes a year earlier. All wheat imports were from within the CIS. Barley import volumes from outside the CIS rose to 33,700 tonnes from 23,100. Non-CIS maize imports more than tripled to 18,100 tonnes. Total sunflower oil imports rose by 24 percent in volume. Russia imported 29 percent more red meat from outside the CIS and 29 percent more poultry.