Why did Russia expand its grain and oilseed production in 2022/23?
The expansion of Russian grain and oilseed production in 2022/23 is due to both an increase in planted area for all crops (except corn and sunflower seed) as well as increased yields for all of these commodities (with records for all commodities except sunflower seed, which was the second largest on record).
How does USDA track exports of grains and oilseeds from Russia?
Russia ceased publishing its customs data in March 2022, meaning the latest publicly available statistics are through January 2022. Therefore, USDA uses alternative sources of data to track exports of grains and oilseeds from Russia. Port loading and vessel data provides one source of information by compiling information about vessels destination.
Why are grain and oilseed markets roiled by Russia’s war in Ukraine?
Over the past year, global grain and oilseed markets have been roiled by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Initially Ukraine’s grain and oilseed exports via sea routes were entirely cut off but have since been able to flow, facilitated by the United Nations through the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
What are Russia’s restrictions on Oilseeds?
Beyond these grains, Russia has imposed other constraints for oilseeds including a partial export ban for rapeseed exports, with exemptions only for the region bordering China. The export tax for soybeans is 20 percent with a minimum of $100/ton, and is in place through the end of August 2024 in an effort to stimulate more domestic processing.