Russian grain exports exceed $45 billion in 2023
Russia announced its total grain crop for 2023 fell to 142.6 million metric tons, a 9.5% decline compared to the record crop it recorded in 2022, but still the second-largest grain production figure in the country’s history.
According to the Russian Federal Statistics Agency, the total winter and spring wheat crop was 92.77 million tons net weight, a decrease from 104.23 million tons in 2022.
In comparison, the total crop for 2022 was 157.61 million tons.
Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev said that this second production allows Russia to supply the domestic market with significant quantities and increase its grain exports to foreign partners.
Despite this, Russian grain exports face challenges from a shortage of ships and problems with insurance and payments due to Western sanctions.
In light of this framework, Patrushev confirmed that total Russian agricultural exports reached more than $45 billion in 2023, which is a record number.
He expected to export about 65 million tons of grain during the current season, with 35 million tons expected to be exported in the first half and 30 million tons in the second half.
On the other hand, Russia imposed a ban on the export of durum wheat until the end of May, and Patrushev indicated that the goal for next year is to expand the cultivated area and increase durum wheat production to achieve self-sufficiency and provide greater export potential.
In another context, he explained that soybean production in Russia meets domestic consumption and is expected to increase to about 8 million tons in the coming years, allowing it to be exported.
He added that the potato crop rose to 8.6 million tons, the largest in 30 years.
