Russia does not rule out non-tariff measures in case of low grain harvest in 2025

The Russian Ministry of Agriculture does not rule out the introduction of additional non-tariff measures if the grain harvest in 2025 turns out to be lower than predicted due to weather conditions. This was reported to journalists by the ministry.

“Traditionally, in the second half of the season, there is a quota for wheat exports, which is lower than last year, taking into account the volume of the harvest obtained by the end of 2024. At the same time, if, due to weather conditions, grain production this year is lower than predicted, the Ministry of Agriculture will promptly initiate the introduction of additional non-tariff measures,” the report says.

Earlier, the analytical company Rusagrotrans allowed for a reduction in the grain harvest forecast to 79 million tons, which is 3.6 million tons less than last year. Experts named moisture problems caused by a lack of precipitation in the spring as the main reason for the possible reduction. In a number of regions in the south of the country, in Central Russia and the Volga region, a significant part of the crops remains underdeveloped.

The drought could have a particularly negative impact on winter crops, which had previously shown good results thanks to a warm winter and abundant snow in February. However, the moisture reserves in the soil have now been depleted, which increases the risk of spring drought.

Tags: Russia, crop forecast