Today, at the international investment “Sochi 2012” conference, Minister of Economic Development Andrei Belousov stated that RF can put restrictions on wheat exports if the tendency on growth of prices stays the same. He did not exclude that such a decision could be made this fall.
Though, Directoro of “Manana Grain” Ltd. Gourgen Nikoghosyan, who imports wheat, told “First News and Analyses” that Russia is unlikely to put a ban on wheat exports, as it is a member of the WTO now, and if they put, they will have to pay a fine. “If they are ready to be fined, they should set embargo.”
G. Nikoghosyan stated that even if Russia sets the embargo, Armenia will not have a problem in importing wheat. “When this year ends it will be normal. There will not be bread problem in Armenia,” assured Nikoghosyan.
He noted that Armenia has had a similar experience, and there are other countries for import- Romania, Bulgaria, Canada or the U.S. G. Nikoghosyan also said that wheat prices are high, and the prices in Russia does not have any difference compared to other countries’ prices.
Recall that the last time Russia banned wheat export in 2010, due to lack of crop.
