Russia weighs suspending grain export duty amid Black Sea disruptions
Russia may suspend its grain export duty until year-end as Ukrainian drone attacks disrupt Black Sea shipments, according to market sources.
Russia is reportedly considering a suspension of its grain export duty, a long-standing grievance among domestic farmers, as Ukrainian drone strikes in the Black Sea disrupt shipments. The Vedomosti newspaper, citing two grain market sources, said the government is discussing a suspension that would last at least until the end of the year.
The agriculture ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Recent tit-for-tat attacks by Russia and Ukraine on ports and vessels have forced the closure of grain terminals and prompted shippers to delay or cancel loadings during the peak export season. Both countries are major grain exporters.
The export duty, introduced in 2021 to protect the domestic market from price spikes, is recalculated weekly at 70% of the difference between a government-set base price and the market price. Domestic wheat prices have fallen due to abundant new harvest supplies and difficulties in moving grain to export markets.
The current wheat export duty stands at 1,012 roubles ($11.98) per metric ton, the highest level since June 2025. Farmers argue the duty erodes profitability of wheat production and exports. The Russian budget had been expected to receive 135.5 billion roubles ($1.60 billion) from the duty in 2026.