Russia considers barley and corn export tax -sources

Russia is considering imposing a barley and corn export tax of 10 euros ($12) per tonne and 25 euros per tonne, respectively, two sources familiar with discussions at the government told Reuters on Wednesday.

Russia is trying to stabilise domestic food prices with a grain export quota, a wheat export tax and a series of other measures after President Vladimir Putin criticised their growth amid the COVID-19 crisis and a fall in Russians’ incomes.

According to one of the sources, the barley and corn taxes are being considered for the period between Feb. 1 and March 31, 2021. Russia exports barley and corn mainly to the Middle East.

The agriculture ministry did not reply to a Reuters’ request for comment.

Russia, one of the world’s largest wheat exporters, will consider changing its wheat export tax by the end of this week, the economy ministry said on Tuesday.

In late 2020, the wheat tax was planned by the government at 25 euros per tonne between Feb. 15 and June 30.

($1 = 0.8216 euros)