Russia to lift flour export embargo

01/11/2010 12:00 - 491 Views

Russia will lift the export embargo on wheat flour starting Jan. 1, 2011, however the ban on grain export would remain in force until June 30 next year, the RBC news agency reported on Monday.

Wheat and rye flour have been excluded from the government list of grain products banned for export since Aug. 15 due to poor harvest caused by severe summer drought.

Flour producers lobbied the government by saying that there was enough flour for domestic consumption even if the export ban would be canceled.

Russia still may export grain if the international non-commercial obligations required so, the RIA Novosti news agency reported.

The embargo does not affect grain supply as humanitarian aid, emergency relief, catering of Russian troops based abroad, including Baikonur space complex and Russian vessels.

Until Aug. 15, when the embargo came into effect, Russia has exported some 3.5 million tons of grain.

The Russian government on Oct. 22 extended the embargo on grain export for another half year until July 1, 2011.

08:47, October 26, 2010

Source: Xinhua