Grain industry calls upon PM to allow for exports

The Ukrainian Grain Association called upon PM Denys
Shmyhal to continue allowing the export of grains and food oil cultures from
Ukraine, in a Mar. 12 statement, in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. The
possible shutting of the majority of Ukraine’s border crossings, as well as
grain shipment points and seaports, will lead to panic on the domestic market,
falling prices and a loss of trust in Ukrainian counterparties, the statement
said. “There isn’t a basis for such restrictions since no paths have been
established of spreading the coronavirus through grain and food oil cultures,”
the statement said.

Shutting ports will reduce export volumes from the 20
mln tons planned in the coming weeks, the statement said. “Halting the export
of grain will reduce the volume of revenue in foreign currency, worsen the
stability of the financial system and significantly reduce the country’s budget
revenue,” the statement said. The association called upon the cabinet to
consider the measures of China and Italy, which kept open its shipment points
for cargo operations and instead conducted health screenings for cargo crews.
The Zelensky adminstration has not restricted any Ukrainian exports so far.

Zenon Zawada: Considering
how desperate Ukraine’s economic situation is, we believe the Zelensky
administration will heed to the requests made by the Ukrainian Grain
Association. We expect it will allow for the maximum overall exports that are
reasonably justifiable.