Exports of Russian agro products 16% higher this year than last year, over 50 mln tonnes - Luth

MOSCOW. June 28 (Interfax) - Russia has already exported more than 50 million tonnes of agricultural products this year, which is 16% more than a year ago, Agriculture Minister Oksana Luth told reporters following a meeting of the heads of the respective BRICS agricultural ministries on Friday in Moscow.

"In terms of volume, exports have risen 16% since the beginning of the year and already exceed 50 million tonnes," she said.

Luth said that supplies of oil and fat, as well as meat and dairy products, are actively growing.

"We expect a record for wheat exports by the end of the current season, which would confirm our leadership in the world market," Luth said. "We should be in first place in barley and pea supplies for the first time in history. We also expect a record volume of sunflower and soybean oil exports."

A drop in world prices for the main commodities has reduced exports somewhat in terms of value "but this is levelling out gradually and we expect a positive outcome for the year," Luth said.

Russia exported 103 million tonnes of farm produce for $43.5 billion in 2023. Russian food was supplied to more than 160 countries.

Exports are estimated at more than $45 billion this year.