Arkady Zlochevsky, the head of the Russian Grain Union, stated that Russia faced losses estimated at at least 1.2 billion rubles during the period when the grain agreement was active, largely due to intensified discounting on shipments. Once trading halted, the damage diminished significantly, a point he underscored at the NSN press center in a recent briefing.
According to Zlochevsky, the damages translated to roughly 80 dollars for every ton of grain exported. The average discount per ton had been in the range of 30 to 40 dollars, but in the latest assessments it has dropped to about 10 to 15 dollars per ton.
He, nonetheless, emphasized that the decline in losses during the suspension of the agreement marked a positive development for the sector. Over the full period of the deal, the organization pegged losses at approximately 1.2 billion dollars, describing the price reductions as a significant drain on revenue during the arrangement.
To place this in context, the so-called grain agreement involved Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, and the United Nations, and was designed to facilitate Ukrainian grain exports through a designated corridor while easing some restrictions on Russian fertilizers and agricultural products in global markets. The Kremlin announced the termination of the agreement in mid-July of the previous year, citing unmet obligations by Russia. Russian officials contended that a large share of grain flows favored wealthier nations, a claim tied to the broader international distribution of grain during the contract period.
Observers note that Russia’s role as a supplier to global markets has experienced shifts in demand patterns and pricing dynamics. The removal of certain constraints and subsequent market adjustments have influenced both export volumes and revenue margins for Russian grain producers. The ongoing debate centers on how policy decisions affect price levels, shipping costs, and the competitive position of Russian grain on world markets. Analysts continue to monitor developments as the sector adapts to evolving regulatory environments and the recalibration of international trade routes.
Earlier, Russia’s status as a leading purchaser of its own grain has been highlighted in public discussions about supply chains and market resilience. The industry remains focused on stabilizing pricing, expanding access to diverse markets, and sustaining export capacities amid geopolitical and economic fluctuations. This broader narrative reflects the intertwined interests of producers, exporters, and policy-makers as they navigate a highly dynamic global grain system. [Attribution: Industry briefing by the Russian Grain Union; summary of remarks and market context provided by industry observers.]