The Russian Ministry of Agriculture floated a temporary restriction on exporting rice and rice grains, with a draft government decree published on the federal portal according to reports from TASS.
The draft specifies a ban that would run from July 1 to December 31, 2022, on the export of rice and rice grains.
Exports would be allowed to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as well as to Abkhazia, South Ossetia, the Donetsk People’s Republic, and the Luhansk People’s Republic. Restrictions would not apply to shipments that are authorized by government decisions and under intergovernmental accords, including humanitarian aid sent from Russia. The measure would also permit the transit of rice and rice groats and allow rice moving through foreign territory to cross between Russian regions.
Additionally, shipments from Russia to the storage facilities of Russian military units located in foreign states, in Baikonur (Kazakhstan) and on the Svalbard archipelago, would still be possible. Individuals would also be permitted to export rice from the country for personal use.
If adopted, the regulation would come into effect on July 1.
candy block
In mid-March, a decision was made to prohibit exports of white sugar and raw sugar cane from Russia until August 31, 2022. The competent authorities’ order targets exports to non-member countries, while deliveries to the EAEU proceed under permits issued by the Ministry of Agriculture.
One coriander for one dinar
Also in March, a ban was introduced on supplying grain from Russia to the EAEU member states of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The restriction covers wheat and rye, barley, corn, and meslin, and is set to last through June 30. The government stated that the move aims to protect the domestic food market in the face of external pressures.
In early March, amid the ongoing conflict, the Ukrainian government halted exports of meat, buckwheat, sugar, and other goods. In April, meat and meat products were again allowed to be exported, but only with licenses issued by Ukrainian authorities.
Forbes Russia reported in March that international organizations including the United Nations voiced concerns about the potential severe impact of the Ukraine conflict on global food supplies. Human rights advocates note that Russia and Ukraine together account for a large share of grain and oilseed exports, placing some regions in Africa and the Middle East at risk of shortages and famine.
On May 8, German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze remarked that global food prices had risen by about a third to levels never seen before, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, droughts, and the conflict in Ukraine. UN estimates warned that the number of people facing hunger could rise by 8–13 million in 2022–2023. Analysts say that wealthy Western economies are likely to bear the least impact, while poorer areas could see the most disruption. Bruegel researchers cautioned that even in a worst-case scenario there would be enough food globally, but distribution challenges could spark heightened hunger in vulnerable regions if shipments remain blocked.