Russia suspends exports – do we have wheat?
Azerbaijan this year Januarywheat imports increased by 4.2 times compared to the same period last year. More than 93,700 tons of wheat was imported to the country. This was reported by the State Statistics Committee reportreported. It became clear from the report that, Wheat imports from Russia decreased by 37.1 percent. Instead, the volume of wheat imported from Kazakhstan increased by 37 percent. 50.1% of wheat imported to the country came from Kazakhstan and 49.9% from Russia.
Azerbaijan to Russia’s Ukraine snowThere is no doubt that such a sharp increase in its wheat reserves on the eve of military intervention that, very correct and is a deliberate decision. Because still from the fall of last year Russia Ukraine was gathering troops around, U.S. intelligence and The Pentagon and Russia to Ukraine snowHe warned that a full-scale war would break out. Even the approximate date of the start of the war has been announced several times. This meant that the world could face a shortage of grain, too Russiaboth Ukraine the world’s largest grain producers and is among the exporters.
Apparently, the Azerbaijani government, having correctly analyzed the situation, immediately took measures to increase the country’s grain reserves.
Economist Altay Ismayilov believes that, With the increase in imports, Azerbaijan has formed sufficient wheat reserves.
“In fact, wheat imports increased in February this year as well. In general, wheat imports in the first two months of last year January– more than seven times compared to February. Thus, the country has enough wheat reserves, “Ismayilov said.
According to our interviewer according to, Russia–Ukraine The war between the two countries, including Russia’s temporary restriction on wheat exports, will not lead to a shortage of grain and food wheat in Azerbaijan.
Recently, the price of wheat on the world market has risen to a record level. Ismayilov said that, Although wheat imported into the country is more expensive compared to the same period last year, it is lower than the current price. That’s it according to also currently in the country flour There are no real economic reasons for the price increase: “Price increase is not expected in the near future. SnowIt is time to reap the harvest, until then we have grain reserves. After production, demand will be met by local wheat.
Expert Jafar Ibrahimli said that, The country’s demand for wheat is 3.1 million tons and About 1.3 million tons of this is paid for by imports. And As a result of increased imports, a reserve wheat base has been formed in Azerbaijan.
“Azerbaijan, Russia, Ukraine and It buys grain from Kazakhstan. Wheat is mainly imported from Russia. Of course that, There are concerns about the impact of the war on wheat sales. Because Russia accounts for about 25-29 percent of global wheat trade and It falls on Ukraine, “Ibrahimli said.
The expert believes that, Russia’s suspension of wheat exports until August 31 will not affect Azerbaijan: “In fact, I do not think that Russia’s suspension of wheat exports will take long. It is impossible to get the required 1.3 million tons of wheat from Kazakhstan, which is quite a large number. However, there are other countries that import wheat. Whatever the conditions according to Although it is profitable to buy wheat from Russia, other options may be considered. In any case, there will be no shortage of grain in the country. “
Ibrahimli added that, Not only in the first month of this year, but also in the last year, Azerbaijan has imported enough grain to meet its needs. Grain is brought to the country only in the winter months, and the grain harvest will begin in June. 1.9 million tons of demand is met by local production. Grain production is also expected to increase this season. (virtualaz)